CYTOKINES IN BEHCETS-DISEASE

Objective. Cytokines take place in immunologic and inflammatory reacti ons. The aim of this study was to describe the roles of various cytoki nes in the pathogenesis of Behcet's disease (BD). Methods. Serum level s of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-alpha (IL-2), soluble DL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis facto r-alpha (TNF-alpha) were studied in 24 patients with active BD and 15 healthy adults as controls, by ELISA technique. Patients were separate d into 2 groups according to the number of active organ systems (Group I: <3 vs Group II: greater than or equal to 3). Results. sIL-2R and a ge adjusted TNF-a levels were higher in patients with BD compared to c ontrols (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002, respectively). But the median concen trations of Group I and Group II were not different. Serum levels of I L-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.