Effect of imiquimod on Th_1/Th_2 cytokines in peripheral blood in patients with condyloma acuminatum

Objective To explore the effect of 5% imiquimod on Th1/Th2 cytokines in peripheral blood of patients with condyloma acuminatum(CA). Methods Flow cytometry was employed to detect the levels of intracellular cytokines(IL2,IFN-γ and IL-4) in CD+4 T lymphocytes in peripheral blood of 20 controls and 20 patients with condyloma acuminatum before and after treatment with 5% imiquimod. Results The levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in CA group were lower than that in control group before treatment(P0.05),but IL-4 level in CA group was higher(P0.05).The levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in CA group after treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment,but the level of IL-4 was significantly lower(P0.05).The levels of IL-2,IL-4 and IFN-γ had significant difference between control group and CA group after treatment(P0.05). Conclusion The 5% imiquimod could execute immunological regulation by enhancing cellular immunity to up-regulate the ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines in the peripheral blood of patients with condyloma acuminatum.