Systemic secukinumab treatment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: the relationship between systemic and tear proinflammatory cytokines and ocular surface findings—a pilot study

The findings of this study showed that there was decreased IL-1RA in patients with AS after secukinumab treatment in tears and serum. Interestingly, lachrymal IL-17 levels were similar but not statistical significant changes with two ocular parameters TBUT and Schirmer's test, suggesting a pathological role of IL-17 in rheumatological diseases. The results suggest that the inhibition of IL-1RA obtained by systemic administration of secukinumab but does not influence the severity of DED. Key Points • Many proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-23, IFN-γ), especially IL-17, have been shown in the etiopathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis. • IL1 affects the local lymfoid nodes and IL 17 affects the lacrimal gland. IL-17 and its receptor are very important structures for the pathogenesis of inflammation. • Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody that neutralize the IL 1β and IL 17 A. • The findings of this study showed that there was decreased IL-1RA in patients with ankylosing spondylitis after secukinumab treatment in tears and serum.