Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Receptor I and Interleukin-6 as Markers of Activity in Thyrotoxic Graves' Disease

Abstract

Autoimmune thyroid diseases are thought to be mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-6. Serum levels of cytokines may indicate activity levels of immune functions. We investigated serum levels of IL-6 and of the soluble receptor of TNFα in patients with newly diagnosed onset of Graves' hyperthyroidism. The predominantly female group consisted of 39 patients, mean fT4 was 47.6 pg/ml (normal values 7.5 - 19.0 pg/ml). After diagnosis, all patients were treated with anti-thyroid drugs. Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor I (TNF-RI) serum levels were found significantly increased (mean 3.7 ± 1.3 ng/ml; p < 0,01) compared to a matched group of apparent healthy individuals (mean sTNF-RI 1.8 ± 0.5 ng/ml) and to a matched group of patients with treated Graves' disease (mean sTNF-RI 1.9 ± 0.6 ng/ml). When IL-6 was assessed only 4 of the 39 patients exhibited increased serum levels. Our finding may indicate that sTNF-RI and possibly its ligand, TNFα, could play an important role in the onset of the acute stage of Graves' disease.

Key words

TNF receptor - Cytokines - Hyperthyreosis - Graves' disease

References

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