Soluble Interleukin 2 Receptors' Levels Versus Thyroid Hormones Levels in Nonthyroidal Disease

Abstract

Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor levels, basal thyrotropin, total thyroxine, total triiodothyronine and free triodothyronine were assayed in 29 - otherwise healthy - patients with pulmonary tuberculosis before initiation of anti-tuberculosis treatment and after two weeks of therapy. Twenty seven out of 29 patients presented low-normal total triiodothyronine levels, showing a statistical elevation after anti-tuberculosis therapy. Total triiodothyronine levels before anti-tuberculosis therapy were inversely correlated with levels of serum soluble interleukin-2 receptors. Further investigation on the relationship between soluble interleukin-2 receptorÕs levels and thyroid hormones in non-thyroidal disease can be envisaged.

Keywords

• Receptors
• Interleukin-2
• Thyroid hormones
• Tuberculosis