Pro-inflammatory cytokines in myasthenia gravis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder impacting muscle endplate components. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly, might play pivotal roles in MG pathogenesis, influencing regulatory T cells and contributing to chronic inflammation. We did this systematic review and meta-analysis to address the conflicting results about pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles in MG.

METHODS

A thorough search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase to find studies measuring interleukin (IL)-1 family (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-33, IL-36, IL-37), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in MG patients' serum and controls. Selection criteria encompassed various MG types, including ocular and generalized, with and without thymoma, and acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive and negative.

RESULTS

Of the 1843 identified studies, 16 met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed a significant increase in serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-33 level in MG patients compared to controls. The included studies also implied elevated levels of IL-18 in people with MG compared to controls and elevated levels of IL-18 and IL-33 in generalized MG compared to ocular MG.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the altered profiles of pro-inflammatory cytokines in MG.