Delirium is a common condition among women with urinary tract infections and especially during menopause. Urinary tract infections affect all parts of the urinary tract – kidneys, bladder, urethra and urethra. Scientists at Cedars-Sinai have analyzed in laboratory conditions the protective functions of estrogen, which is often administered as replacement therapy. The study is published in Scientific Reports. Delirium is characterized by a change in mental abilities, decreased concentration and attention. In previous studies, researchers have found a link between delirium and interleukin-6, an immune-modulating protein. Its levels increase during infections and tissue damage, which contributes to more effective immune defense, blood cell production and an increased response in the acute phases of inflammation. However, it has a negative impact on chronic inflammation and autoimmune processes. In lung involvement or urinary tract infections, interleukin-6 can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to symptoms such as confusion and disorientation. Estrogen is known to suppress the action of interleukin-6. The scientists followed the behavior of laboratory models before and after menopause. It was found that in menopause the manifestations of delirium were more pronounced. However, with estrogen administration, decreased levels of interleukin-6 and decreased signs of delirium were found. The behavioral differences were not due to the severity of the urinary infection, as the levels of bacteria in the urine were not different among the participants, the researchers explained. For the purposes of the study, the influence of interleukin-6 on nerve cell samples was also monitored. The purpose of its administration was to achieve a condition similar to that seen in urinary tract infections. A lesser incidence of delirium was found with estrogen supplementation. This has shown that estrogen reduces levels of interleukin-6 in the blood and protects nerve cells. The results put the focus on a better understanding of the protective properties of estrogen on neurons, as well as establishing the reasons for the more frequent development of delirium in patients with urinary infections. The current therapy for such infections is based on the administration of antibiotics, although there is not yet enough clinical evidence available to confirm their effectiveness against delirium. References: https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-24247-w https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4176007/ https://www.webmd.com /women/guide/your-guide-urinary-tract-infections