ELEVATED SERUM LEVELS OF INTERLEUKIN-4 (IL-4), IL-10, AND IL-13 IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC-SCLEROSIS

Objective. To determine whether serum interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-1O, and IL-13 levels in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are elevated a nd whether they correlate with the clinical or serologic features of t his disease. Methods. Serum samples from patients with Limited cutaneo us SSc (ISSc) (n = 45), diffuse cutaneous SSc (dSSc) (n = 28), and con trol subjects (n = 30) were examined by ELISA. Results. Serum IL-4 and IL-13 levels were significantly higher in patients with ISSc and dSSc than in the controls. Serum IL-IO levels were significantly higher in the patients with dSSc compared with controls. Elevated IL-10 levels were detected frequently in patients with arthragia. Serum IL-13 level s correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C-reactive prote in levels in patients. Conclusion, We suggest that IL-4, IL-1O, and 11 -13 may be some of the cytokines that contribute to the disease proces s, and that IL-13 may be a serologic indicator of systemic inflammatio n in patients with SSc.