Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-13 are elevated in patients with localized scleroderma.

Background: The enhanced production of some cytokines may be related to the pathogenesis of localized scleroderma (LSc).

Objective: To determine whether serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-13 are elevated, and whether they correlated with clinical or serological features in patients with LSc.

Methods: Serum levels of TNF and IL-13 were examined by ELISA in 45 patients with LSc and in 20 healthy controls.

Results: The frequency of serum TNF detection was significantly higher in patients with LSc (24%) compared with that in healthy controls (0%). The frequency of serum IL-13 detection was also significantly higher in patients with LSc (29%) compared with that in controls (0%). In patients with LSc, elevated TNF levels significantly correlated with the presence of IgM antihistone antibodies, anti-single-stranded DNA antibodies, elevated serum IL-6 levels, the number of linear lesions, and muscle involvement. Elevated IL-13 levels were significantly associated with the number of plaque lesions and the total number of lesions.

Conclusions: These results suggest that TNF and IL-13 may be associated with the development of LSc.