Correlation of serum interleukin-10 level with disease activity and severity in systemic lupus erythematosus

Mervat I Abd Elazeem,Rabab A Mohammed,Nilly H Abdallah

doi:10.4103/err.err_15_17

Abstract

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus) is a syndrome of multifactorial etiology, characterized by widespread inflammation, most commonly affecting women during the childbearing years. Virtually, every organ and/or system of the body may be involved. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) production is increased in SLE.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to assess serum levels of IL-10 in SLE patients and their relationship with disease activity and severity parameters.Patients and methodsTotally, 50 patients with SLE and 20 healthy controls were investigated in this study diagnosed according to Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria for SLE. Clinical assessment of the disease activity was performed using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. Assessment of SLE disease severity was carried out using the SLICC/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index and laboratory parameters, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), 24 h urinary proteins, anti-dsDNA antibodies, complement 3, and complement 4 levels. The serum IL-10 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay technique.ResultsThe serum IL-10 levelswere significantly higher in SLE patients (mean: 23.07±33.19 pg/ ml) compared with the controls (0.52±0.86 pg/ml, P=0.000*). The increase in serum levels IL-10 significantly correlated with the SLEDAI scores (P=0.016*) and CRP (P=0.042*) in the studied patients. There were no significant correlations between IL-10 and SLICC, age, disease duration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 24 h urinary protein, anti-DNA, and complement 3–complement 4 (P=0.735; r=0.05, P=0.890, P=0.521, P=0.529; r=0.09, P=0.430; r=0.11, P=0.263; r=0.16, P=0.195; r=0.19, respectively).There was no significant difference between mean IL-10 levels in different classes of lupus nephritis (P=0.702).ConclusionThe circulating IL-10 concentrations were significantly elevated in SLE patients and correlated with the SLEDAI score and CRP.

Highlights

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by B lymphocyte hyperactivity, production of autoantibodies directed against double-stranded DNA, and dysfunction of antigen presenting cells and T lymphocytes
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has the ability to induce autoantibody production by B lymphocytes, suggesting that IL-10 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE [1]
IL-10 overproduction by B lymphocytes and monocytes was described for the first time by Lorente et al [2]

Summary

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by B lymphocyte hyperactivity, production of autoantibodies directed against double-stranded DNA, and dysfunction of antigen presenting cells and T lymphocytes. Increased production and decreased clearance of immune complexes lead to immune complex deposition in tissue and damage to multiple organ systems. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has the ability to induce autoantibody production by B lymphocytes, suggesting that IL-10 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE [1]. The IL-10 cytokine is required for regulating immune functions by motivating the widespread suppression of immune responses through its pleiotropic effects. The Interleukin 10 (IL-10) cytokine is required for regulating immune functions by promoting the widespread suppression of immune responses. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus) is a syndrome of multifactorial etiology, characterized by widespread inflammation, most commonly affecting women during the childbearing years.

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