RESUMO
Objective:To explore the possible role and clinical significance of Th1 and Th2 class cytokines in the pathogenesis of re-current aphthous ulcer (RAU).Methods:35 cases with RAU,25 of minor RAU(MiRAU)and 1 0 of major RAU(MaRAU),were enrolled and 24 healthy subjects served as the controls.The expression levels of Th1 type cytokines (IFN-γ,TNF-α,IL-2)and Th2 type cytokines (IL-4,IL-6,IL-1 0)in the serum of peripheral blood were investigated by flow cytometry CBA methods and their rela-tionship with the clinical features of RAU was analyzed by SPSS 1 1 .5.Results:The expression level of IL-4 and IL-1 0 in MiRAU group was higher than that in the controls(P <0.05),and the expression level of IFN-γ,IL-4 and IL-1 0 in MaRAU group was higher than that in the controls(P <0.05).The expression level of IFN-γand IL-1 0 in MaRAU was higher than that in MiRAU.There was a positive correlation between the levels of IFN-γ,IL-4,IL-1 0 and the severity of RAU.Conclusion:Predominant Th2 immune re-sponse plays a role in RAU,and the level of IFN-γ,IL-4 and IL-1 0 is correlated with the severity of RAU.