The study of novel inflammatory markers in takayasu arteritis and its correlation with disease activity

Abstract

Objectives Currently, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and highly sensitive serum C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels are used to monitor disease activity and guide therapy in Takayasu Arteritis (TA). However, non-specificity of these markers suggests the need for novel biomarkers. In this pilot study, we explore the role of novel biomarkers for evaluating disease activity in TA. Methods A total of 40 patients with TA were divided into active and stable disease groups. Disease activity was assessed according to the National Institutes of Health criteria proposed by Kerr et al. Routine blood investigations were obtained and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-18, ESR, hsCRP levels and NLR (neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio) were assayed at baseline and after 6 months. Results Among the 40 patients enrolled, 18 were classified as active while 22 were stable at baseline and with a similar pattern at 6 months. Along with ESR and hsCRP, IL-6 and IL-18 levels were significantly higher in the active disease group than in the stable disease group ( p < 0.005). The levels of other novel biomarkers (IL-1, TNF-α) and NLR were not significantly higher in active disease group. Conclusion Serum IL-6 and IL-18 levels correlates well with disease activity in TA which suggests their important role in disease pathogenesis and may be helpful in guiding and monitoring therapy in active TA patients.

Refractory Takayasu’s Arteritis with Severe Coronary Involvement—Case Report and Literature Review

“…Higher levels of IL-6 and IL-18 have been found in active TA patients, displaying a higher risk for restenosis. Moreover, determining interleukin levels might be useful when initiating biological therapy such as tocilizumab, an anti-IL-6 agent [ 37 ].…”

Systemic review and meta‐analysis of the association between interleukin‐10 and Takayasu arteritis

“…22 Th17, Treg-related cytokines such as IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, and TNFα were abnormally expressed during TAK activity and were expected to become important markers for clinical assessment of disease activity. 23 Currently, studies focusing on the relationship between IL-10 and TAK are increasing. Nevertheless, the results from a single study were limited and may be affected by multiple factors.…”

“…Studies have shown that T helper cell 17 (Th17 cell) was up‐regulated while Treg cells were down‐regulated, that is, a Th17/Treg imbalance, which was involved in the occurrence and development of TAK 22 . Th17, Treg‐related cytokines such as IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17, IL‐18, and TNF‐α were abnormally expressed during TAK activity and were expected to become important markers for clinical assessment of disease activity 23 . Currently, studies focusing on the relationship between IL‐10 and TAK are increasing.…”