Role of Interleukin-12 in Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder noticed by the decreasing of immunological tolerance to the auto antigens such as the nuclear antigen and the production of autoantibodies and others immune complexes, leading to tissue inflammation and organ deterioration. Many genetic and environmental variables combine to create SLE, more than 90% of SLE affects females. This study aimed to evaluate the serum Interleukin-12 (IL-12) levels in SLE patients as well as their possible association with the Pathogenesis of disease. This study applied to a sample of Iraqi females, the sample was collected from Baghdad Teaching Hospital, including 100 patients and 50 healthy controls with an age range of (16-65) years old, and mean ages of (35.72 ±1.65 and 34.05 ±1.74) respectively. The current study used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the automated Fujifilm to estimate the serum levels of (Anti-Nuclear Antibody, Anti-dsDNA, IL-12, vitamin D3, Urea, and creatinine) as well as a laboratory examination for ESR, hemoglobin, and white blood cells.  ANA, Anti-dsDNA, urea, creatinine, and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate were significantly higher, at the same time the Vitamin D3, hemoglobin, and special component of blood cells (white blood cells) were remarked lower (p< 0.01) patients that are suffered from SLE as compared to control. Also, levels of IL-12 serum were increased unhealthy people compared to control, and a significant difference has been observed (p< 0.01) between patients and control. Additionally, significant relation observed between IL-12 serum levels with ANA and hemoglobin, and a positive non-significant correlation was noticed between IL12 and V.D3, while other laboratory parameters show a negative non-significant correlation with IL-12.