Differential effects of cyclosporine and etretinate on serum cytokine levels in patients with psoriasis

Abstract

Background: The in vivo effects of cyclosporine and etretinate on the immune system are still unclear.

Objective: Our purpose was to determine the effects of these drugs on in vivo production of various cytokines.

Methods: Serum cytokine levels were measured sequentially by radioimmunoassay in psoriasis patients treated with either cyclosporine or etretinate.

Results: Interferon-gamma levels were initially elevated and rapidly returned to baseline levels before clinical improvement in both treatment groups. A transient increase before the relapse was also observed in some patients. Etretinate treatment resulted in a substantial decrease in tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, whereas an unpredictable increase was found during the late phase of cyclosporine treatment.

Conclusion: The in vivo effects of antipsoriatic drugs on cytokine production are different from those demonstrated in vitro. Measurement of serum cytokine levels is useful for monitoring patients with psoriasis.