A biomarker and therapeutical target in immune thrombocytopenia: TNF receptor-associated factor 6.

BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired disease characterized by various pathogenetic mechanisms. We aimed to evaluate the value of TRAF6 as a biomarker of pathogenesis in ITP. METHODS: 85 newly diagnosed ITP patients and 85 controls were included. RESULTS: In the patient group, mean TRAF6 level was 2348 pg/ml and in the control group, TRAF6 level was 25.57 pg/ml. In corticosteroid-responding patients, TRAF6 levels were lower than nonresponding patients. DISCUSSION: TRAF6 levels were observed to be higher than healthy controls, which suggest a solid relation with ITP pathogenesis. The observation that in patients who present with high TRAF6 levels, there was a significant corticosteroid refractoriness and responsiveness.