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Serum proinflammatory cytokines directing T helper 1 polarization in patients with familial Mediterranean fever

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Abstract

Th1 type polarization has been implicated in the pathogenesis of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-10 are proinflammatory cytokines, which play crucial role in Th1 and Th2 type immune response, respectively. IL-18 has a dual effect on T cell response: it was recognized as an IFN-γ-inducing factor in T cells; acting in synergy with IL-12, leading to the development of Th1 type immune responses. But, in the absence of IL-12, IL-18 can promote the production of Th2 cytokines and take part in allergic inflammation. The aim of this study is to measure serum levels of IL-10, IL-12, and IL-18 in patients with FMF, and to investigate the relationship of their expressions with FMF attacks. Serum IL-10, IL-12, and IL-18 levels from patients with FMF were investigated. Thirty-one FMF patients with attack-free, 24 FMF patients with attack and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The levels of IL-10, IL-12p70 and IL-18 were measured by ELISA. Serum IL-10 levels were not different in FMF patients with attack and attack-free, and healthy controls. Serum IL-12 levels in FMF patients both with attack and attack-free were significantly higher than healthy controls (P = 0.002 and P = 0.047, respectively). There were no differences between FMF patients with attack and attack-free with regard to serum IL-12 levels. Serum IL-18 levels in FMF patients with attack and attack-free were significantly higher than healthy controls (P < 0.001 for both groups). With respect to serum IL-18 levels, no difference was found between FMF patients with attack and attack-free. Our results suggest that IL-12 and IL-18 contribute to the establishment of Th1 polarization seen in FMF and play a part in its pathogenesis. Detection of increased levels of IL-12 and IL-18 in patients with inactive disease implies that they seem to assist Th1 activation and subclinical inflammation persisting during the attack-free period of the disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Rheumatology, Gulhane Military School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

    Ismail Simsek, Salih Pay, Ayhan Dinc & Hakan Erdem

  2. Division of Immunology, Gulhane Military School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

    Aysel Pekel, Ugur Musabak & Ali Sengul

  3. GATA Romatoloji BD, 06018, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey

    Ismail Simsek

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  1. Ismail Simsek
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  2. Salih Pay
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  3. Aysel Pekel
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  4. Ayhan Dinc
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  5. Ugur Musabak
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  6. Hakan Erdem
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  7. Ali Sengul
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Correspondence to Ismail Simsek.

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Simsek, I., Pay, S., Pekel, A. et al. Serum proinflammatory cytokines directing T helper 1 polarization in patients with familial Mediterranean fever. Rheumatol Int 27, 807–811 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-006-0301-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-006-0301-6

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