[Adhesion molecules and cytokines in vasculitides]

Renal vasculitis syndromes include particular characteristic changes in concentrations of some cytokines in plasma or urine. Preliminary results suggest that the systemic lupus erythematodes with affliction of the kidneys is specifically concomitted by the increase in IL-8, both in plasma and urine. ANCA-positive renal vasculitis syndromes appear to coincide with a typical increase in the synthesis of interleukin-6 in the kidneys. We suggest that the monitoring of individual cytokine levels in plasma and urine will enable to study in greater detail the immunopathogenesis of renal vasculitis syndromes and the extent of local production of cytokines which may cause further progression of renal lesions. (Fig. 4, Tab. 1, Ref. 10.).