#1532 Correlation between TNF-alpha, IL-4 and IL-6 levels and vitamin D in patients with SLE lupus nephritis

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by multisystem organ damage and high titers of autoantibodies to a number of nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens. Numerous abnormalities of the cytokine network have been observed in patients suffering from SLE. However, the relationship between cytokines and vitamin D in damage to the kidneys and various organs has not been studied enough. Aim To determine whether interleukin-6.4 (IL-6.4) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) levels correlate with vitamin D deficiency in patients with SLE/FN. Method We determined the levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-4 and vitamin D in the blood of patients with SLE/FN in 108 people. Results Levels of TNF-alpha, IL-4 and IL-6 were higher in SLE/FN patients with vitamin D deficiency. Further analysis showed that this association was dependent on an inverse correlation (P = 0.017, r = ‒0, 49) for IL-6, (P = 0.023, r = ‒0.42) for IL-4, and (P = 0.76, r = ‒0.243) for TNF-alpha. The average level of TNF-alpha was (3.2+/-6.92 pg/ml), IL-4 and IL-6 showed results (2.13+/-8.72 pg/ml) and 5.02+ /-7.22 pg/ml) respectively for patients with vitamin D deficiency, while it was for IL-6, for IL-4 (3.5+/-6.43 pg/ml) and TNF- alpha (4.33+/-8.61 pg/ml) for patients with normal concentrations of vitamin D in the blood and IL-6, (1.02+/-5.1 pg/ml), IL-4 (2.13+/- 6.4 pg/ml), TNF-alpha (1.45+/-5.28 pg/ml), for the healthy control group, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.002). We found a significant positive correlation between TNF-alpha, IL-4 and IL-6 and low vitamin D levels, respectively, and with the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). (r = +0.743 and +0.772, respectively). Conclusion Increased levels of IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-alpha may influence the development and progression of nephritis in patients with SLE, in addition, the production of large amounts of IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-alpha correlates with low levels of vitamin D in the blood.