#5689 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INTERLEUKIN-37 RS3811047 POLYMORPHISM AND LUPUS NEPHRITIS IN AN EGYPTIAN POPULATION

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, clinically heterogenous, autoimmune disorder with unpredictable course and features ranging from mild skin affection to life-threatening involvement of major organs. Interleukin 37 (IL-37) is a cytokine with anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressive effects; it suppresses both innate and adaptive immune responses, thus protecting against excessive inflammation-induced tissue damage. Aim investigate the association of IL-37 (rs3811047) polymorphism with lupus nephritis in Egyptian population. Method This case-control study comprised 3 groups: 109 SLE patients without nephritis, 97 SLE patients with LN, and 240 healthy controls. History taking, clinical examination, disease activity in SLE patients was assessed and routine laboratory tests were done. Genotyping of the IL-37 rs3811047 polymorphism was done using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results The AA genotype was more frequently represented in LN patients (21.6%) compared to SLE patients without LN (7.3%) (p = 0.007), and carriers of the AA genotype had four times increased susceptibility to acquire LN compared to GG and GA genotype carriers (OR: 4.1). Likewise, the A allele was more represented in LN patients (43%) than in SLE patients without LN (30%) (p = 0.004), and the carriers of the A allele had nearly two times more risk of developing LN compared to carriers of the G allele (OR: 1.79). Moreover, the AA genotype was associated with LN susceptibility under the recessive genetic model (OR = 3.49, CI: 1.47-8.30) (p = 0.002), but not under other genetic models. Conclusion The AA genotype of the IL-37 rs3811047 polymorphism contributes to the development of SLE in Egyptian patients with doubled risk of acquiring LN in carriers of the allele A.