Analysis of cytokine levels in human lymphangiomas.

Background: Different theories concerning the origin of lymphangiomas have been formulated but their precise pathogenesis is still unknown. This study aimed to analyze the levels of different cytokines in lymphangioma cyst fluids.
Materials and Methods: Fluid aspirates from lymphangioma cysts of five patients were obtained. The intracystic levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-2R and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) were determined in four cases before and one case after OK-432 administration using an immunometric assay.
Results: Increased IL-6 levels were observed in all cases. Moreover, elevated IL-2R and TNFalpha levels were observed in three out of four and elevated IL-8 levels in two out of four untreated cases. There was a 25-fold increase in IL-6 after repeated OK-432 injections while IL-8, IL-2R and TNFalpha levels did not change significantly.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that cytokines may be involved in the pathogenesis of lymphangiomas.