Objectives:

In this study, we aimed to investigate in vitro effects of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and ibuprofen on interleukin (IL)-17, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), IL-4 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-β) production.

Patients and methods:

Blood samples were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers between May 2007 and May 2009. Acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen were dissolved in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution in clinically relevant blood concentrations. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and crude bacterial extracts of Streptococcus sanguis were used to stimulate cells. The cytokine response was measured by an ELISPOT reader.

Results:

Both ASA and ibuprofen significantly inhibited the IL-17 response at all concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. No significant effect of the drugs on IL-4 and IFN-γ response was observed.

Conclusion:

Inhibition of IL-17 and TNF-β production by therapeutically reachable concentrations of ASA and ibuprofen can be a novel underlying mechanism for their well-known anti-inflammatory actions.

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