IL-23/Th17 axis is not influenced by TNF-blocking agents in ankylosing spondylitis patients

Background Advances in pathophysiology and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was recently demonstrated. However, the effect of anti-TNF in the newly described inflammatory pathways involved pathogenesis of this disease remains to be determined. The aim of our study was, therefore, to investigate long-term influence of anti-TNF drugs in IL-23/IL-17 axis of AS patients and their possible correlation with treatment, clinical, laboratory and radiographic parameters. Methods Eighty-six AS anti-TNF naive patients, 47 referred for anti-TNF therapy (active-AS; BASDAI ≥ 4) and 39 with BASDAI <... Mehr ...