OBJECTIVE: Cytokines take place in immunologic and inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to describe the roles of various cytokines in the pathogenesis of Behçet's disease (BD). METHODS: Serum levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-2 (IL-2), soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were studied in 24 patients with active BD and 15 healthy adults as controls, by ELISA technique. Patients were separated into 2 groups according to the number of active organ systems (Group I: < 3 vs Group II: > or = 3). RESULTS: sIL-2R and age adjusted TNF-alpha levels were higher in patients with BD compared to controls (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002, respectively). But the median concentrations of Group I and Group II were not different. Serum levels of IL-1 beta, IL-2 and IL-6 were similar to the control group. CONCLUSION: High serum levels of sIL-2R and TNF-alpha indicate activation of the immune system in BD. But this finding may not be useful as a marker of disease activity.
OBJECTIVE: Cytokines take place in immunologic and inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to describe the roles of various cytokines in the pathogenesis of Behçet's disease (BD). METHODS: Serum levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-2 (IL-2), soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were studied in 24 patients with active BD and 15 healthy adults as controls, by ELISA technique. Patients were separated into 2 groups according to the number of active organ systems (Group I: < 3 vs Group II: > or = 3). RESULTS: sIL-2R and age adjusted TNF-alpha levels were higher in patients with BD compared to controls (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002, respectively). But the median concentrations of Group I and Group II were not different. Serum levels of IL-1 beta, IL-2 and IL-6 were similar to the control group. CONCLUSION: High serum levels of sIL-2R and TNF-alpha indicate activation of the immune system in BD. But this finding may not be useful as a marker of disease activity.
Authors: Ammar F Hameed; Sameh Jaradat; Bassam M Al-Musawi; Khalifa Sharquie; Mazin J Ibrahim; Raafa K Hayani; Johannes Norgauer Journal: Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J Date: 2015-11-23