Th1/Th2 Cytokines in Psoriasis

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the Th1 and Th2 serum cytokines, in patients with psoriasis and to compare their cytokine levels with those of normal control subjects. Methods: Serum levels of Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in 40 patients with psoriasis and in 40 normal controls. Results: Compared with control subjects, patients with psoriasis had elevated levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 (P<0.001). In addition a positive correlation was found between the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and disease severity. Conclusion: Th1 secreting inflammatory cytokines may contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis.