Serum levels of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-8, and acute phase proteins in seronegative spondyloarthropathies

Abstract

Objectives: Some immunological abnormalities have been described in seronegative spondyloarthropathies (SpA). The aim of this study is to determine the serum levels of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-8, which are proinflammatory cytokines in active and inactive patients with SpA, to compare the results with those of controls and to investigate a relationship with clinical activity and acute phase proteins.

Methods: Forty-two patients (34 males and eight females) and 22 healthy controls (17 M and 5 F) were included in the study. All patients fulfilled Amor criteria for the classification of SpA. Among patients 23 had active and 19 had inactive disease. IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-8 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA), acute phase proteins were measured by nephelometric assay.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between mean IL-1beta levels of patient groups and controls. Serum mean TNF-a levels in active and inactive patients were significantly increased as compared to that in the controls (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively). Serum mean IL-8 levels in active patients was significantly increased as compared to that in the controls and in inactive patients (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively). High serum IL-8 levels correlated well with C-reactive protein and haptoglobulin, but there was no correlation between IL-1beta or TNF-alpha levels and acute phase proteins such as C-reactive protein, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, alpha-1 antitrypsin and haptoglobulin.

Conclusions: These results suggest that serum IL-8 may reflect clinical activity of the disease and may be helpful for monitoring patients with SpA.