Interleukin-18 binding protein in the sera of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

In the present study, we examined the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-18 and its natural inhibitor, the IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), in sera of Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) patients at various stages of the disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Sera from eight consecutive biopsy-proven systemic WG patients (four men and four women; age at diagnosis 58.4 +/- 13.8 years) were obtained longitudinally with a follow-up period of 55.2 +/- 30 months. Sera obtained from 50 healthy subjects were used as controls.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Serum levels of IL-18, IL-18BP, and free IL-18 obtained during an active phase of the disease (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, BVAS > 10) were more than twofold higher than levels in the same patients during inactive disease stages (BVAS < 5; P < 0.002; P < 0.006, and P < 0.03 for IL-18, IL-18BP, and free IL-18, respectively). During inactive stages, the levels of these markers were comparable to those of healthy controls. The elevated levels of IL-18 and IL-18BP in sera during active stages of disease suggest a possible role in the pathogenesis and course of the WG.

CONCLUSION:

Despite the elevated IL-18BP levels during active disease, free IL-18 remained higher than in the inactive disease stages, suggesting a potential benefit of administration of exogenous IL-18BP as a novel therapeutic approach for active WG.

• Authors: D Novick, D Elbirt, C A Dinarello, M Rubinstein, Z M Sthoeger
• Journal: Journal of clinical immunology (J Clin Immunol) Vol. 29 Issue 1 Pg. 38-45 (Jan 2009) ISSN: 1573-2592 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 18594952 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
• Interleukin-18
• interleukin-18 binding protein

Topics

• Aged
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (blood, diagnosis)
• Humans
• Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins (blood)
• Interleukin-18 (blood)
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Middle Aged