Cytokines in Behçet's disease.

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.