RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and the relationship between serum IL-1 ra and IL-1beta and the effectiveness of glucocoids in treating GO. METHODS: Serum IL-1ra and IL-1beta were measured by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Radioimmunoassay (RIA) in three groups of people, which included 20 patients with severe GO (NOSPACES> or = IV), 20 patients with Graves' disease (GD) without ophthalmopathy, and 20 healthy volunteers. Repeated measurements were undertaken in GO patients before and after glucocoids treatment to analyze the relationship between serum IL-1ra, and IL-1beta and the effectiveness of glucocoids therapy. RESULTS: Before glucocoids therapy,GO patients had higher serum IL-1beta and lower IL-1ra/IL-1beta ratio. Glucocoids therapy increased serum IL-1ra and decreased IL-1beta, and thus increased the IL-1ra/IL-1beta ratio. CONCLUSION: Patients with GO have deficiency in IL-1ra synthesis. Glucocoids therapy can stimulate IL-1ra synthesis and inhibit IL-1beta synthesis.