Cytokine Profile in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background: Cytokines have an important role in immune system dysregulation in SLE because they act on the differentiation, maturation, and activation of several effector cells, culminating in inflammation and subsequent tissue damage.The aim of the work was to evaluate cytokine profile (IL2, IL10 and IL13) in children with SLE and their possible role in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.

Methods: This is a cross sectional case-control study conducted on 60 children with SLE and 30 healthy children of matched age and sex served as a control group. The presence of lupus nephritis was confirmed by renal biopsy and histopathological examination. The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score for each patient was used to evaluate disease activity. Serum IL2, IL-10 & IL-13levels were measured using ELISA.

Results: There was a significant increase in serum IL-10 levels in SLE patients compared to healthy controls and in patients with lupus nephritis compared to patients without lupus nephritis. Also, there were significant positive correlation between IL-10 and SLEDAI Score and between IL-10 and 24-hour urinary protein collection. There was no statistically significant difference in IL-2 levels in SLE patients compared to healthy controls. However, IL2 levels were significantly lower in active patients without lupus nephritis compared to active patients with lupus nephritis. There was no correlation between IL-2 and 24-hour urinary protein collection. The levels of IL13 were significantly higher in SLE patients compared to healthy controls and in patients with lupus nephritis compared to patients without lupus nephritis. There were significant positive correlations between Il 13 and SLEDAI Score and between IL-13and 24-hour urinary protein collection.

Conclusions: Soluble IL10 and IL-13 could be used as a measure of disease activity. Further studies are needed to evaluate SLE pathophysiology including measurement of cytokine profile.