Abstract: Objective To study the role of interleukin-18(IL-18) and interferon gamma(IFN-γ) in the pathogenesis of condyloma acuminatum(CA),and the relationship between the two cytokines.Methods The serum levels of IL-18 and IFN-γ were determined by double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in 36 patients with CA and in 30 normal controls.Results The serum levels of IL-18 and IFN-γ were significantly lower in CA patients than those in normal controls(P<0.05 and P<0.01,respectively).A significant correlation was found between the serum levels of IL-18 and IFN-γ (P<0.001).Conclusion The results indicate that the lower level of IFN-γ is related to IL-18,which may result in inhibitory effects on a series of cell-immune response and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CA.

Key words: Interferon-gamma, Condyloma acuminata, Interleukin-18