Evaluation of the expression of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in leprosy patients

Leprosy is an infectious and contagious spectral disease accompanied by a series of immunological events triggered by the host's response to the etiologic agent, Mycobacterium leprae. Evidence suggests that the induction and maintenance of the immune/inflammatory response in leprosy are linked to multiple cell interactions and soluble factors, mainly through the action of cytokines. The ELISA test was used to measure the levels of IL-1 beta and IL-1Ra in 37 new leprosy patients followed-tip during treatment and 30 healthy controls. Peripheral blood was collected four times during the treatment of leprosy patients (MDT pretreatment, 2(nd) dose, 6(th) dose and post-MDT), and only once front the controls. The comparison of molecular levels in pre-MDT patients; and controls showed a statistically significant difference for IL-1 beta. The results Suggest the participation of this cytokine in the genesis of the immune/inflammatory process.