Expression of TNF-α, April and BCMA in Behcet's Disease. (5th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shaker, Olfat G.; Tawfic, Shereen O.; El-Tawdy, Amira M.; El-Komy, Mohamed H. M.; El Menyawi, Manal; Heikal, Ahmed A.
• Other Names: Riera Clelia M. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of immunology research. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-11-05
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.07905
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/380405
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-8861

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α ) is an important proinflammatory cytokine which plays an important role in the immunopathogenesis of Behcet's disease (BD). B cell activating factor (BAFF) and its homolog A proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL) are members of the tumor necrosis factor family. BAFF binds to 3 receptors, B cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R), transmembrane activator and calcium modulator ligand interactor (TACI), and B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) that are expressed by B cells. Objective . Estimation of the serum levels of TNF- α, APRIL, BAFF, and BCMA in patients with BD in an effort to evaluate their degree of involvement in the pathogenesis and development of BD. Patients and Methods . This study included 30 male patients fulfilling the international study group criteria for the diagnosis of BD. Twenty age-matched healthy male volunteers served as control. Serum samples were used for quantification of TNF- α, APRIL, BCMA, BAFF, and hsCRP using ELISA techniques. Results . The mean serum levels of TNF- α, APRIL, BCMA, and BAFF were more elevated in cases than in controls in a statistically significant manner ( P < 0.001 ) . Positive correlation was observed between hs-CRP and BDCAF (Behcet's disease current activity forum) index ( r 0.68, P < 0.001 ) . None of the TNF family members tested was affected by a positive pathergy test. Conclusions . Patients have significantly higher levels of TNF family members' (TNF- α, BAFF, APRIL, and BCMA) compared to controls which might contribute to the pathogenesis of BD.