Correlation of Natural Killer (NK) Cell Activity, Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC), and Serum Zinc Level in Behcet's Disease

Abstract

Background: Zinc which is widely used to treat Behcet´s disease, is known to be an important modulator in various aspects of immunity including cell mediated immunity (CMI). CMI is suspected of playing a major role in the pathogenesis of Behcet´s disease. Objective: This study was done to clarify the relationship of CMI and zinc in Behcet´s disease. Methods: Serum zinc level, NK cell activity, and ADCC were measured in 83 patients with Behcet´s diseade. The results were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Results: ADCC and serum zinc level were found to be two significant variables that affect NK cell activity positively and negatively, respectively. Conclusion: Serum zinc is presumed to exert inhibitory effect on NK cell activity but does not affect ADCC in Behcet´s disease patients.