One of the factors involved in the pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a cell-mediated immune response in which several cytokines seem to play a major role. The aim of this study was to detect, enumerate and characterize T helper cells which are secreting type 1 cytokines (interleukin [IL]-2, IL-12, interferon [IFN]-γ , and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α ) and type 2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10) in the peripheral blood of patients with RAS. Thirty-two patients in the active phase of RAS (14 men and 18 women) and 40 healthy individuals participated in the study. T helper (T) cells were detected and characterized using Elispot assay. T cells secreting IL-2, IL-12 or IFN-γ were increased in patients with RAS compared with the controls ( p < 0.05, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). T cells secreting TNF-α in RAS patients and controls were not statistically different ( p > 0.05). T cells secreting IL-10 were increased in patients with RAS compared with the controls ( p < 0.05). T cells secreting IL-4 were decreased in patients with RAS compared with the controls ( p < 0.001), No statistical difference was observed between T cells secreting IL-5 or IL-6 in patients with RAS and controls. Our findings suggest that the increased numbers of T cells secreting type 1 cytokines may influence the immune response against RAS. Whether this action is of etiological importance or epigenetic phenomenon is a question that needs to be answered. immunopathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis; Type 1 and 2 T helper cells; peripheral blood mononuclear cells © 2007 Tohoku University Medical PressRecurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral ulcerative diseases. Although this condition has been described by Hippocrates in 360 B.C. there is still no proven etiology for RAS. Precipitating factors include trauma, stress, chemical irritants, hormones, certain foods and heredity. Emotional and physical stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of RAS. Deficiencies in iron, folate, and vitamin B-12 have been noted in relation with this disease

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