Cytokines, cytokine antagonists and soluble adhesion molecules in patients with ocular Behcet's disease treated with human recombinant interferon-α2a.: Results of an open study and review of the literature

Objective. To elucidate the influence that interferon-alpha exerts on the cytokine network in active ocular Behcets disease (BD). Methods. Fifty patients with active ocular BD were, treated with human recombinant interferon-alpha 2a (rhIFN-alpha 2a). Serum was analysed for the presence of IL-10, TNF-alpha, IL-8, IL-6, sIL-2R, IFN-gamma IFN-alpha IL-12, IL-4, sTNFRI (p55), sTNFRII (p75), IL-IRA G-CSF sE-selectin, sVCAM-I, sICAM-I and neopterin before initiation of and at several time points during IFN treatment and compared to 21 healthy controls. Results. The levels of IFN-alpha, ILI-RA and sTNFRII were significantly increased in the patients at baseline in comparison to healthy controls. During treatment with rhIFN-alpha 2a, when remission was achieved as defined by the scoring system used, a significant increase in levels of IFN-alpha, IL-2R, TNF alpha, sTNF-RII, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, neoplerin in the sertun was observed, with a tendency towards increased IL-IRA as well.In contrast, leuko- and thrombocyte counts and sE-selectin serum levels significantly decreased. Positive correlations were found between IFN dosage or serum levels and sVCAM-I, neopterin, sTNF-RII and sIL-2R, between sVCAM-I,sIL-2R, TNF alpha, sTNFRII and neopterin, sICAM-I and sVCAM-I, sIL2-R and sTNF-RII, and, finally, between sIL2-R and sICAM-I. Conclusions. IFN-alpha exerts diverse influences mainly on cytokine antagonists and soluble adhesion molecules. Because sTNF-RII and IL- IRA were increased by IFN-alpha treatment, these might be interesting alternative treatment options in refractory BD. Some of the side-effects of IFN-alpha may be caused by activation of monocytes, which is reflected by an increase in neopterin serum levels.