Cytokine, C-Reactive Protein, and Heat Shock Protein mRNA Expression Levels in Patients with Active Behcet's Uveitis

Abstract

Background: To investigate the gene expression levels of interleukin 10 (IL10), IL18, interferon gamma (IFNG), IFN-gamma receptor (IFNGR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in patients with active Behcet's uveitis. Material/Methods: Forty patients with Behcet's disease diagnosed according to the International Study Group criteria and 30 healthy individuals were included in the study. IL10, IL18, IFNG, IFNGR, CRP, and HSP70 gene expression levels were compared. Results: Expression levels of IL18, IFNG, IFNGR, and CRP were significantly higher in patients with active Behcet's uveitis than in control subjects (P<0.01 for all), whereas no significant differences were found in IL10 and HSP70 gene expression levels (P>0.01 for both). Conclusions: IL18, IFNG, IFNGR, and CRP gene expression is significantly increased in active Behcet's uveitis. There was no significant difference between active Beh double dagger et's uveitis patients and controls in terms of IL10 and HSP70 gene expression levels. We conclude that drugs prescribed to Behcet's patients with active uveitis downregulate gene expression.