Behcet’s disease (BD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by a course of remissions
and exacerbations of unpredictable frequency and duration. Pro-inflammatory cytokines seem to be
responsible for the enhanced inflammatory response in BD. Aim of the work: This study aimed to investigate
serum levels of IL-33 in patients with Behcet’s disease (BD) and their relationship to disease activity and
clinical manifestations. Thirty patients with BD were enrolled and subjected to assessment of disease
activity according to Behcet’s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF) score. Serum IL-33 levels were
determined using Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Thirty age and sex matched rheumatoid
arthritis patients and thirty healthy volunteers were included in this study as control groups. Serum IL-33
level was 132.5±19 pgml, 101.2±20.1 pgml and 31.5±10.5 pgml in RA, BD and healthy control groups
respectively. IL-33 was significantly higher in BD patients (101.2±20.1pg/ml) as compared to healthy controls
(31.5±10.5 pg/ml) but lower than rheumatoid arthritis patients (132.5±19.1 pg/ml). Levels of IL-33 were
significantly increased in BD patients with skin lesions (Erythema nodosum & Acneiform lesions) and ocular
lesions (retinal vasculitis) (P |
