title: Reduced IL-33 plasma levels in aplastic anemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study, we aim to evaluate the balance of interleukin (IL)-33 and its soluble receptor sST2 in patients with aplastic anemia (AA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Plasma IL-33, IL-17 and sST2 levels were measured in patients with active AA (n = 31), AA in remission (n = 29) and in healthy subjects (n = 30), using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that sST2 and IL-17 levels were significantly elevated in patients with active AA when compared to control subjects, but IL-33 levels were significantly lower in AA patients, which resulted in elevated sST2/IL-33 ratios in patients with active disease. During remission stages, the levels of these cytokines were comparable to those of healthy controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The elevated levels of sST2/IL-33 in the plasma during active stages of the disease suggest a possible role in the pathogenesis and course of AA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, Linzi District People's Hospital, Zibo, 255400 China.
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, Linzi District People's Hospital, Zibo, 255400 China.
authors.forename: Hai-Feng
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, Linzi District People's Hospital, Zibo, 255400 China.
authors.forename: Ye-Yun
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Che
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021 China.
authors.forename: Xin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Cui
keywords: Aplastic anemia; Cytokines; Interleukin 17; Interleukin 33; sST2