Changes in the immune and endocrine responses of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis undergoing specific treatment

We evaluated immune and endocrine status following antituberculosis treatment in HIV-negative patients with newly diagnosed tuberculosis (TB). Treatment led to a decrease in IL-6, IL-1 beta, and C-reactive protein levels. Cortisol levels decreased throughout the anti-TB treatment, particularly after 4 months, but changes were less pronounced than those seen in proinflammatory mediators. Specific therapy resulted in increased dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels, which peaked after 4 months and started to decline after 6 months of treatment, reaching levels below those detected at inclusion. In contrast, in most patients, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels remained unchanged, although a trend toward increased concentrations was observed in a few cases 3 months after the treatment was finished. Specific therapy also resulted in more balanced cortisol/DHEA and cortisol/DHEAS ratios. Etiologic treatment involves favorable immune and endocrine changes, which may account for its beneficial effects.