Aim: Asthma is an allergic disease with varying prevalance among different regions in our country with a mean ratio of 5%. Many studies have reported that some proinflammatory cytokines may have impact on bronchial hyperreactivity. The aim of this study is to determine cytokines in stable asthmatics.

Material and Method: Serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα levels were measured by ELISA (Enzyme Linked-Sorbent Immunassay) and compared in 31 asthmatics and 19 healthy volunteers.

Results: Levels of IL-1β were undetectable in asthmatics and healthy volunteers. Levels of IL-6 and TNFα were significantly higher in asthmatics than the controls (p=0.038, p=0.001).

Conclusion: Levels of TNFα and IL-6 were thought to be valuable in assessment of inflammation in asthmatic patients.