Changes in serum cytokine levels during plasmapheresis in patients with myasthenia gravis.

BACKGROUND

The effect of plasmapheresis on cytokine levels in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) has not been well established.

METHODS

Cytokine levels were measured in 19 patients with MG before and after treatment with one course of double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFP). The control group comprised 6 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

At baseline, patients with MG had higher levels of IL-10 than normal controls. The levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were almost undetectable in MG patients. After a single session of DFP treatment, IL-10 levels were significantly increased. After three sessions, IL-10 levels were still higher than those at baseline. Elevated IL-10 level was significantly associated with use of immunosuppressant drugs, thymectomy, and good response to DFP treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Interleukin-10 might play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and perpetuation of MG.