ABSTRACT
Type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1DM], arising through a complex interaction of immune, genetic and environmental factors, results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Cytokines are critical to the function of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Interleukin-12 p40 production influences T cell response, and may therefore be important in T1DM pathogenesis. To study the changes in IL12 levels in children with T1DM. Fifty T1DM children among those attending diabetes clinic at Zagazig University hospitals, were included in the study. They were 27 males and 23 females [mean age, 9.19 +/- 3.3 years]. Thirty age and sex matched healthy children were serving as a control group. All children were subjected to full history taking, physical examination, complete blood count [CBC], random blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin [HBA1C] and serum IL-12 levels assessed by ELISA. Diabetic children had significantly higher white blood cell count, HBA1C, and IL12 levels than healthy children. While there was no effect of gender on IL12 levels, there were significant increase in IL12 levels in newly diagnosed cases, those with higher body mass index and those who had the poorest glycemic control. Type 1 diabetes is associated with elevation of IL-12 levels. This association is more evident in both newly diagnosed and poorly controlled patients indicating a relevant role of IL-12 in the pathogenesis of the disease