A significant difference was also observed between the TAO groups (P < 0·05). Figure 2 shows the values of the determinations of Th1 cytokine profiles (IFN-γ

and IL-12) in the plasma of normal individuals (smoker, ex-smoker and non-smokers) and patients with TAO (smokers and former smokers). The data results show an increase of these cytokines in the plasma of TAO patients compared with control subjects (P < 0·05 for each comparison). A significant Selleckchem GPCR Compound Library difference was also observed between the TAO groups (P < 0·05). Figure 3 shows values of the determinations of Th2 cytokine profiles (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 and IL-5) in the plasma of normal individuals (smoker, ex-smoker and non-smokers) and patients with TAO (smokers and former smokers). The data results show increased levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in the plasma of TAO patients compared with control subjects (P < 0·05 for each comparison). Decreased levels of IL-10 were found in patients with TAO active smokers compared to control individuals and TAO former smokers (P < 0·05 for each comparison). Figure 4 shows the values of the determinations of Th17 cytokine profiles (IL-17 AG-014699 mouse and IL-23) in the plasma of normal individuals (smoker, ex-smoker and non-smokers) and patients with TAO (smokers and former smokers). The data results show an increase of these cytokines in the

plasma of TAO patients compared with control subjects (P < 0·05 for each comparison). Because the development and aetiology of TAO have not yet been elucidated, and as the direct action of inflammatory mediators has been observed in the vascular endothelium of TAO patients, in this study we have evaluated some components of the cytokines in the

plasma of TAO patients who presented with acute symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first complete investigation including cytokines with proinflammatory, Th1, Th2 and Th17 profiles. The precise cause of TAO Methane monooxygenase is still unknown, and different hypotheses have been suggested. A reaction to the constituents of cigarettes is recognized as a factor in the initiation, progression and prognosis of this disease. It is possible that genetic modifications or autoimmune disorders are implicated [5,12,13]. Thus, the strong relationship with smoking seems to involve direct toxicity to the endothelium by certain tobacco products (nicotine) or an idiosyncratic immune response to some agents. Most patients with TAO have hypersensitivity to extracts of tobacco. Peripheral endothelium-dependent vasodilation is impaired in the non-diseased limbs of TAO patients, and this vascular dysfunction may contribute to such characteristics as segmental proliferative lesions or thrombus formation in the peripheral vessels [14]. The immune system seems to play a critical role in the aetiology of TAO.