Study of innate immune dysfunctions during Behçet's disease different clinical manifestations : prognosis and therapeutic impact

Abstract

In this study we sought to find any possible correlation between biological markers and clinical manifestations of Behçet disease, and to explore the role of cytokines and nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of coagulation during the disease. Additionally, to evaluate the in-vitro modulatory effect of nicotine on nitric oxide (NO), interleukin 1? (IL-1?) and interleukin 37 (IL-37) production during Behçet's disease. Interestingly, we observed a significant increase in EBI-3 levels during vascular manifestations of BD in comparison to non-vascular manifestations and healthy controls (HC). Moreover, correlation studies showed significant relationships between cytokines and some hemostasis parameters in patients and not in HC. Results of the in-vitro study showed that nicotine significantly reduced NO and IL-1? levels in patients with Behçet’s disease, while it increased IL-37 production. Our results showed no sex differences in the effects of nicotine on the production of nitric oxide and IL-1? nor IL-37 in PBMC of patients. Taking together, these findings highlight the role of NO and inflammatory cytokines in the prothrombotic state and regulation of coagulation. In addition, EBI-3 could be a potential marker for vascular manifestations in BD. Further, our results suggest that nicotine may provide a potential therapeutic strategy targeting inflammation during Behçet’s disease