Evaluation of the relationship between TNFα, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, sIL2R, IL6, neopterin with disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

Abstract Objective We aimed to evaluate the relationship among TNFα, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, sIL2R, IL6, neopterin and disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Materials and methods TNFα, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, sIL2R, IL6 and neopterin were measured in patients and controls. Patients were grouped according to disease activity and medication. Results Neopterin and sTNFR1 were not different while TNFα, sTNFR2, sIL2R and IL6 were high in patients than controls. There was no difference between active and inactive patients for TNFα, sIL2R and IL6. sTNFR2 was significantly lower in active patients. There was no relationship between CRP positivity and disease activity. AS patient groups are; 1: TNF blockers, 2: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 3: disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), 4: TNF blockers and NSAIDs, 5: DMARDs and NSAIDs. sTNFR2 was significantly lower in active patients than in inactive, in Group 1. ESR levels were significantly lower in inactive patients compared to active in group 3 and 4. There was no significant association between CRP positivity and disease activity. Conclusion According to our study, CRP is insufficient in evaluating AS disease activity. ESR can be useful in evaluating the disease activity. sTNFR2 might be useful as a biological indicator of disease activity in AS treated with TNF inhibitors alone.