Evaluation of the Relationship Between Il-10, Il-17, Il-23 Levels and Disease Activity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Vitamin D Status

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic, autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by a variable course and prognosis. We aimed to determine IL-10, IL-17 and IL-23 cytokines and vitamin D levels in SLE patients, which we think play role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Material and Method: Forty SLE patients and 20 healthy controls were included in our study. Levels of IL-10, IL-17 and IL-23 were measured by sandwich ELISA method. Quantitative data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation and median range (maximum-minimum) values. The data were analyzed at 95% confidence interval, and cases where the p value was less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: IL-10 and IL-17 levels of the control and patient groups were compared and no statistically significant difference was found (p=0.333, p=0.99). IL-23 levels of the patient group were found to be higher than the control group and were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). No statistically significant relationship was found between disease duration or SLEDAI score and IL-23 levels (p=0.476). 25 (OH) vitamin D levels of the patient group were found to be lower than the control group and were statistically significant (p=0.003). No significant relationship was found between IL-10 and IL-17 levels and vitamin D. Significant relationship was found between IL-23 and vitamin D levels (p=0.019). Discussion: In our study, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of IL-10 or IL-17, while IL-23 levels were found to be significantly higher in SLE patients. Vitamin D levels were found to be lower in the patient group with SLE compared to the control group, and a negative correlation was found between the disease duration and IL-23. Specific blocking of the IL-23 immune pathway can be an effective and safe treatment option in the treatment of SLE.