To study serum level of TGF-flj and IL-6 in ankylosing spondylitis and to evaluate
its relationship with clinical features, disease activity and routine acute phase reactants
(ESR, CRP).
The study comprised 20 patients suffering from AS. They consisted of 16 males and
4 females. Their mean age was 29 years, eight healthy individual age and sex matched
were included as a control group. All patients were clinically examined to obtain the
"bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI)". The following
investigations were performed for both groups: TGF-^jand IL-6 by ELISA complete
blood picture , ESR and CRP litre.
TGF-fL and IL-6 were found to be elevated in the AS group than the control group
(P< 0.001), TGF-p-j more in patients with back pain but IL-6 more in patients with
peripheral arthritis.
No correlation was found between any of them and disease activity, age or disease
duration. Both of them showed a significant Correlation with ESR and CRP. IL^6 was
found to be elevated in the AS group more than ESR or CRP.
We Concluded that IL-6 is a more sensitive marker for A.S than ESR or CRP. Again
TGF-flj is very important to be investigated in AS Patients with back pain as modulation
with this immunosuppressive cytokine can affect the course of the disease and even the
ankylosis of the sacroiliac joints |
