ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the expression of Th1/Th2 cytoki nes in early symptomatic syphilitic lesions and its relationship with the sero-c onversion of RPR test in patients with syphilis. Methods The expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines in lesions from 30 patients with early symptomatic syphilis was i mmunohistochemically detected with ABC method. The serum titers of RPR test in t hese patients were measured in 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after routine benzathine penicillin treatment. Results Among 10 cases of primary syphilis, the express ion of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the lesions was found in 9 cases, while onl y Th1 cytokine expression was observed in the remainder case; and the sero-conve rsion of RPR test occurred in all 10 cases during the follow-up period. Among 20 cases of secondary syphilis, Th1/Th2 cytokines expressed in the lesions in 16 c ases, and only Th2 cytokines expressed in 4 cases; and the sero-conversion of RP R test was found in 12 cases during the follow-up period. The expression of Th1 cytokines in early syphilitic lesions was positively correlated with the sero-co nversion of RPR test. The higher the expression of IFN- the more likely the s ero-conversion of RPR test. Conclusion The early activation and persistence of the expression of Th1 cytokines may play an important role in the clearance of pathogens.