Serum cytokine levels in active uveitis and remission

Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-8, IL-6, and (TNF)-alpha were measured in 25 patients during active uveitis and uveitis in remission and compared to age-matched controls. Levels of IL-8 and IL-6 were significantly elevated in patients with active disease and were decreased during remission. IL-8 levels were highest in patients with anterior uveitis, with greatest difference between active disease and remission. No consistent pattern was observed for TNF-alpha. In conclusion, serum cytokine levels are elevated in active noninfectious uveitis. The rise in IL-8 may suggest innate immune mechanisms in the acute disease, while IL-6 participates in modulation of inflammation in the chronic disease.