Possible Immunomodulating Effect of Retinol on Cytokine Secretion in Patients with Recurrent Furunculosis

The study investigated the effect of retinol on cytokine secretion in 15 patients with recurrent furunculosis compared to 15 healthy subjects. It was found that patients with recurrent furunculosis had significantly higher levels of IL-10, IL-2, and TNF-α, and significantly lower levels of IL-13 in their plasma. Upon retinol stimulation, both groups showed a significant increase in IL-17 and IFN-γ concentrations. Additionally, the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-13 was lower in patients with recurrent furunculosis than in healthy controls. The results suggest that the cytokine network in recurrent furunculosis patients is different from that in healthy individuals and that retinol influences the secretion of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The study recommends further research to understand the pathomechanism of recurrent furunculosis and the potential therapeutic use of retinol for affected patients.