Difference of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) Levels in Multibacillary Leprosy between Reversal Reaction and Non-reversal Reaction Patients (HASIL TURNITIN)

Abstract

Background: Reversal reaction (RR) is an acute on chronic episode which frequently contribute to withdrawal of treatment and disability in leprosy patients. Reversal reaction has been shown associated with increase in TNF-α levels. TNF-α is a cytokine taking part in neutrophil and monocyte recruitment, also activate them to eliminate microbial infection. Aim: This study is aimed at understanding the difference of TNF-α levels in both multibacillary leprosy patients with and without reversal reaction. Methods: This cross-sectional study population was divided into two groups: leprosy patients with reversal reaction group (n = 28) and leprosy patients without reversal reaction (n = 28). TNF-α levels were measured by immunohistochemistry staining. The TNF-α levels in both groups respectively were analyzed using independent samples T test. Result: This study showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the expression of TNF- in reversal reaction group compared with the non reversal reaction group. Conclusion: This research showed that there was a significant difference of TNF-α levels produced by mast cells on skin lesion in patients with and without RR. This is consistent with the hypothesis of TNF-α in the RR patients. Keywords: multibacillary leprosy, reversal reaction, TNF-α