A correlation between acute phase proteins and cytokines in patients suffering from mycosis fungoides

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. To evaluate whether the serum levels of sIL-2R, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and INF-gamma reflect the processes in various stages of MF, to measure the acute phase protein concentrations in the serum of the patients, and to determine the glycosylation profile of two proteins. Material and methods: Serum samples were obtained from 52 patients with MF and from 20 healthy subjects. Concentrations of interleukins IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, INF-gamma, and sIL-2R were measured using ELISA tests. Concentrations of proteins were measured using Laurell rocket electrophoresis. Results and discussion: An inflammatory reaction exists in all MF patients because the concentrations of acute phase proteins were increased. In more advanced stages of MF, intensive activation of T cells is present, as reflected by the sIL-2R levels and Th2 cytokines outweighing the main Th1 cytokine (IFNgamma). Increased levels of sIL-2R, IL-4, and IL-10 accompanied the increase in concentrations of acute phase proteins and a decrease in their reactivity with Con A. It appears that the increase of IL-4, IL10, and sIL-2R may be due to the activation of T-helper lymphocytes.