The sequential assay of interleukin 10 and 13 serum levels in relation to radiographic changes during pulmonary tuberculosis treatment

We evaluated the sequential changes of interleukin (IL)‑10 and IL‑13 serum levels with tuberculosis (TB)‑related radiographic changes during pulmonary TB (PTB) treatment.

In this cross‑sectional study during two consecutive years, forty cases with PTB were recorded, and finally, 24 cases were completed the study. Serum levels of IL‑10 and IL‑13 were measured on admission time, and 6 months later. Furthermore, chest radiography was performed on admission and 6 months later in the treatment course.

Radiography at the baseline indicated pulmonary infiltration in all patients (n = 24). Fifteen (62.5%) cases had abnormal and 9 (37.5%) cases had normal radiography at the end of 6 months treatment course. IL‑10 and IL‑13 upregulated during the treatment time course, and their relationship with radiographic changes shifted from negative (r = −0.14 and P = 0.71) on admission to positive (r = 0.80 and P < 0.001) at the end of 6 months treatment course in normal radiography group. IL‑10 level at the start of the treatment was 121.90 ± 88.81 in patients with normal and 82.68 ± 41.50 in patients with abnormal radiography (P = 0.31).

Sequential increase in IL‑10 and IL‑13 during PTB treatment course may have a role in clearing the TB‑related radiographic infiltration and preventing scar formation.