Author/Authors :
Khazai, MH Associate Professor in Endocrinology - Internal Medicine Department - Emam-Reza Hospital - Emam-Reza Square, Mashad , Tavakkol Afshari, J Associate Professor in Immunology - Bu-Ali Research Institute - Bu-Ali Square, Mashad , Khazai, B Resident of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine Department - Emam-Reza Hospital - Emam-Reza Square, Mashad , Akbarzadeh, J Research Assistant - Bu-Ali Research Institute - Bu-Ali Square, Mashad , Khazai, L Research Assistant - Emam-Reza hospital - Emam-Reza Square, Mashad , abbaszadegan, MR Associate Professor in Human Genetics - Bu-Ali Research Institute - Bu-Ali Square, Mashad , Khadivizand, F Pediatrician - Bu-Ali Research Institute - Bu-Ali Square, Mashad
Abstract :
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to measure serum levels of interferongamma
(IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), the two major cytokines secreted by Th-1 and
Th-2 cells, in islet cell autoantibody (ICA)-positive, newly-diagnosed type I diabetic
patients.
METHODS: The study was conducted on 30 newly diagnosed, ICA-positive type I
diabetics and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Cytokine levels in serum were
quantified by indirect sandwich ELISA in pg/ml.
RESULTS: We observed no significant difference in concentration of IL-4 in ICApositive
diabetics (median=126.535) compared with healthy controls (median=136.440)
(P>0.05). IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in patients (median=11.305) compared
with healthy controls (median=8.200) (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of IFN-γ in patients may be suggestive of its
destructive role in the pathophysiology of type I autoimmune diabetes.
Keywords :
Type I diabetes mellitus , interleukin-4 (IL-4) , interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) , islet cell autoantibody (ICA) , T-helper 1 (Th-1) response , T-helper 2 (Th-2)
