Serum level of Interleukin–17 in Systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical associations with disease activity and lupus nephritis

Ashraf Hassan Mohamed; Abdelnaser Badawy; Emad Elmasry; Mona Balata; Alaauldin Habib

Volume : IV, Issue : X, October - 2014

Serum level of Interleukin–17 in Systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical associations with disease activity and lupus nephritis

Ashraf Hassan Mohamed, Abdelnaser Badawy, Emad Elmasry, Mona Balata, Alaauldin Habib

Abstract :

Background: Serum IL–17 concentration correlates poorly with Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity and lupus nephritis. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the possible role of IL–17 in the pathogenesis of SLE and development of lupus nephritis (LN). Patients and Methods: This study included 46 adult patients with SLE (21 with LN and 25 without LN) and 15 apparently healthy volunteers. SLE Disease Activity Index(SLEDAI) and renal disease activity were calculated for all patients. Laboratory investigations included: full blood picture, ESR, CRP, serum creatinine, simple urine analysis & estimation of 24 hours urinary protein, C3, C4, ALT, AST, C3, C4, ANA, anti–dsDNA and assay for Interleukin–17 were done for patients and controls. Renal biopsy was done for patients with LN. Results: SLE patients had higher IL–17 than control group (P <0.001). In SLE group; there was significant higher serum levels of IL–17, antidsDNA titer and degree of proteinuria in LN subgroup than non LN subgroup (p<0.001). In LN subgroup, there was statistically significant positive correlation was found between serum level of IL17 and SLEDAI (r= 0.643, P= 0.001) & renal disease activity (r= 0.798, P< 0.001). In renal biopsy; there was significant positive correlation between IL–17& activity index (r= 0.624, p=0.002) but no correlation with chronicity index (r= 0.214, P= 0.146). On the other side, in non LN subgroup; IL–17 was poorly correlated with SLEDAI (r=0.108& P= 0.649). Conclusion: Serum level of IL–17 was positively correlated with the severity of lupus nephritis and could be a promising strategy for treatment of lupus nephritis in near future