[Cytokines and smoking in the cases of reactive arthritis during urogenital chlamydiosis]

The aim of the work was the determination of blood serum cytokines level and identification of possible association of the latter with smoking in the case of reactive arthritis (ReA) developed on the background of urogenital chlamydiosis. 74 patients with ReA were tested. 19 patients had acute ReA (disease duration not exceeding 6 months from manifestation of chlamydiosis) and 55 - chronic ReA (disease duration exceeding 6 months from manifestation of chlamydiosis). 56 of the tested patients were systematic smokers. Control group was presented by patients with urogenital chlamydiosis, but without ReA. Diagnosis of chlamydiosis was based on the urethral swab examination by means of direct immunofluorescence and cytological methods. Level of cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, INF-gamma) was determined by means of ELISA method. Results obtained in acute and chronic ReA patients groups were compared with each other and data obtained in the control group. In addition, difference in cytokine levels was assessed in smokers and non-smokers groups. Obtained results assessment revealed that IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha and INF-gamma levels statistically significantly decrease in following sequence: control group, acute ReA, chronic ReA. IL-10 level statistically significantly increases in the same sequence. IL-10 level in smokers with acute ReA statistically significantly prevails the same data in non-smokers, and TNF-alpha level in general group is statistically significantly lower. Obtained results created basis for assumption that non-effective immune system reaction such as cytokine production changes significantly and exogenous affection by smoking should have certain significance in pathogenesis of reactive arthritis developed on the background of urogenital chlamydiosis. Association between these factors needs to be further studied.