Serum IL-17, IL-23, and TGF-β Levels in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Patients and Age-Matched Healthy Controls

Abstract EN

Type 1 diabetes is recognized as an autoimmune inflammatory disease and low grade inflammation is also observed in type 2 diabetic patients.

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is a new player in inflammation.

Th17 cells, as the main source of IL-17, require transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and interleukin 23 (IL-23).

The aim of this study was to investigate serum IL-17, IL-23 and TGF-β levels in diabetic patients and controls.

In this case-control study, serum levels of IL-17, IL-23, and TGF-β were measured in 24 type 1 diabetic patients and 30 healthy controls using the ELISA method.

Simultaneously, the same methodology was used to compare serum concentration of these three cytokines in 38 type 2 diabetic patients and 40 healthy controls.

There was no significant difference between serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23 cytokines between cases and controls.

However, TGF-β was significantly lower in type 1 diabetic patients (P<0.001).

Serum IL-17 and IL-23 levels demonstrate no association with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but, in line with previous studies, TGF-β levels were lower in type 1 diabetic patients.