Decrease of Plasma Th2 Cytokines by Interferon (IFN)-gamma Therapy in Atopic Dermatitis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Atopic dermatitis is characterized by reduced IFN-gamma production and increased IL-4 production. As a result, IgE production increases in atopic dermatitis. In the previous studies, it was reported that recombinant IFN-gamma therapy is effective in treatment of severe atopic dermatitis. In this study, changes of plasma IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 concentration by IFN-gamma therapy were studied in atopic dermatitis. Changes of plasma IgE levels and eosinophil counts were also investigated in the present report. METHODS: Sixty-five atopic dermatitis patients were studied. Diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis were those used by Hanifin and Rajka. Patients received 2x106 units/m2 IFN-gamma by subcutaneous injection eighteen times for six weeks. The following investigations were performed complete blood cell count, total IgE, eosinophil percentage and total eosinophil count in addition to plasma IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 concentration. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 decreased by IFN-gamma therapy in atopic dermatitis. However, plasma IFN-gamma concentration was not changed. No significant correlations among the changes of IgE, eosinophil counts and plasma cytokine concentrations were detected. CONCLUSION: Plasma concentrations of Th2 cytokine such as IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 decreased by IFN-gamma therapy. This study suggests that Th2 cytokines might not be produced simulaneously. and that changes of Th2 cytokines might not affect the quantitiative changes of IgE and of eosinophil count.