Serum Levels of Interleukin-27 and Interleukin-33 in Patients With Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis Compared to Healthy Control Subjects

Abstract

Background: In some autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Interleukin-27 (IL-27) and IL-33 levels are increased. These observations suggest that IL-27 and IL-33 may have a role in the pathogenesis of polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM). Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess IL-27 and IL-33 levels in PM/DM patients compared to healthy control subjects. Patients and Methods: Twenty patients with DM and nine patients with PM were recruited in this study. Twenty-nine healthy controls whose age and gender were matched with the patients were also recruited. Serum IL-27 and IL-33 was measured by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: The serum levels of IL-27 in patients with DM and PM were higher than those of healthy controls. There were no significant differences in serum levels of IL-33 in patients with DM and PM compared to the healthy control group. Conclusions: These data indicate that IL-27 might be selectively involved in the pathogenesis of DM and PM. However, IL-33 does not appear to be influenced.