Anti-Inflammatory Interleukin Levels Reflect Th1/Th2 Imbalance in Spondyloarthritis Patients with Concomitant Atopy Under Biological Therapy

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Atopy and spondyloarthritis (SpA) are immune-mediated diseases driven by distinct T-helper (Th) cell pathways-Th2 for atopy and Th1/Th17 for SpA. The coexistence of these divergent immune responses is increasingly recognized, particularly in the context of biological therapies that target pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to investigate Th2 cytokine profiles (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) in atopic SpA patients receiving biological therapy to better understand how such treatment may influence immune regulation in this complex clinical setting. <b>Methods</b>: We conducted a prospective observational cross-sectional study on 136 SpA patients stratified by biological therapy and atopy status. Serum IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels were quantified using LUMINEX immunoassays. Patients were grouped into biologically treated (BT) and Bio-Naïve (BN) cohorts and further sub-categorized by atopic phenotype (allergic rhinitis, asthma, dermatitis). Statistical comparisons of cytokine levels were made using SPSS IBM version 26 to explore associations with clinical and demographic variables. <b>Results</b>: IL-13 levels were significantly elevated in BT-atopic patients, particularly those with allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, suggesting biological therapy may modulate Th2 responses. IL-5 remained elevated in allergic asthma cases despite treatment, indicating persistent eosinophilic activity. No significant correlation was found between cytokine levels and disease duration or therapy length. <b>Conclusions</b>: Biological therapy in SpA may influence Th2 cytokine expression, notably IL-13, in atopic patients. These findings underscore the importance of immune profiling in guiding personalized treatment strategies and highlight the need for further investigation into the long-term immunomodulatory effects of biologics in patients with overlapping Th1/Th2-driven diseases.

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Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2025-04-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14093094
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Spondyloarthritis Studies and Treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.67
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article

Anti-Inflammatory Interleukin Levels Reflect Th1/Th2 Imbalance in Spondyloarthritis Patients with Concomitant Atopy Under Biological Therapy

Mara Russu, Cristina Pomîrleanu, Georgiana Strugariu, Petru Cianga et al.
1 citations
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Spondyloarthritis Studies and Treatments
1.67
article

Anti-Inflammatory Interleukin Levels Reflect Th1/Th2 Imbalance in Spondyloarthritis Patients with Concomitant Atopy Under Biological Therapy

Mara Russu, Cristina Pomîrleanu, Georgiana Strugariu, Petru Cianga, Codrina Ancuța, Daniela Constantinescu, Vladia Lăpuște
article en
1 citations

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Atopy and spondyloarthritis (SpA) are immune-mediated diseases driven by distinct T-helper (Th) cell pathways-Th2 for atopy and Th1/Th17 for SpA. The coexistence of these divergent immune responses is increasingly recognized, particularly in the context of biological therapies that target pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to investigate Th2 cytokine profiles (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) in atopic SpA patients receiving biological therapy to better understand how such treatment may influence immune regulation in this complex clinical setting. <b>Methods</b>: We conducted a prospective observational cross-sectional study on 136 SpA patients stratified by biological therapy and atopy status. Serum IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 levels were quantified using LUMINEX immunoassays. Patients were grouped into biologically treated (BT) and Bio-Naïve (BN) cohorts and further sub-categorized by atopic phenotype (allergic rhinitis, asthma, dermatitis). Statistical comparisons of cytokine levels were made using SPSS IBM version 26 to explore associations with clinical and demographic variables. <b>Results</b>: IL-13 levels were significantly elevated in BT-atopic patients, particularly those with allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, suggesting biological therapy may modulate Th2 responses. IL-5 remained elevated in allergic asthma cases despite treatment, indicating persistent eosinophilic activity. No significant correlation was found between cytokine levels and disease duration or therapy length. <b>Conclusions</b>: Biological therapy in SpA may influence Th2 cytokine expression, notably IL-13, in atopic patients. These findings underscore the importance of immune profiling in guiding personalized treatment strategies and highlight the need for further investigation into the long-term immunomodulatory effects of biologics in patients with overlapping Th1/Th2-driven diseases.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 14(9)
Clinical Emergency Hospital Bucharest (RO), Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO), Spitalul Clinic Judeţean de Urgenţe "Sf. Spiridon" Iaşi (RO)
Openalex Percentile: Top 18%
Spondyloarthritis Studies and Treatments
1.67
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