INTERLEUKIN-1-BETA, TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR-ALPHA AND INTERLEUKIN-1 RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST IN NEWLY-DIAGNOSED INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS - COMPARISON TO LONG-STANDING DIABETES AND HEALTHY-INDIVIDUALS

Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) are i mportant for the beta cell lysis in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitu s (IDDM), while IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) is considered protec tive by blocking the effects of IL-1, Serum concentrations and es-vivo production of IL-1, TNF and IL-1ra were examined in 10 newly diagnose d IDDM (ND-IDDM) patients, and compared with 11 long-standing IDDM (LS -IDDM) patients and 14 healthy volunteers. Ex-vivo LPS-stimulated prod uction of IL-1 in ND-IDDM patients was significantly increased compare d with LS-IDDM patients and healthy controls, while TNF and IL-1ra syn thesis did not differ significantly, IL-1ra/IL-1 ratio was significant ly decreased in ND-IDDM, and returned to normal values in the LS-IDDM group. Circulating concentrations of IL-1ra in LS-IDDM patients were i ncreased, These data suggest a proinflammatory imbalance in ND-IDDM pa tients and this may play an important role in beta cell loss. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.