Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a cytokine
produced by activated macrophages and other cells. In order to
verify whether the serum levels of TNF-alpha in American
tegumentary leishmaniasis patients are associated with the
process of cure or aggravation of the disease, 41 patients
were studied: 26 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and 15
of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). During active disease
the serum levels of TNF-alpha of MCL patients were
significantly higher than those of CL patients and control
subjects (healthy individuals and cutaneous lesions from other
etiologies). The MCL patients had serum titers of TNF-alpha
significantly lower at the end of antimonial therapy than
before therapy. After a six-month follow-up, the MCL patients
had serum levels of TNF-alpha similar to those observed at
the end of the therapy as well as to those of CL patients and
control subjects. No significant variation in the serum levels
of TNF-alpha was observed in CL patients throughout the study
period (before, at the end of therapy and after a six-month
follow-up). The possible relationship between the high
TNF-alpha serum levels and severity of the disease is
discussed.
