Elevated levels of IL-24 in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess IL-24 levels and their association with clinical manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: There were 75 patients with SLE and 58 healthy controls recruited in this study. Serum levels of IL-24 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and mRNA levels of IL-24 were tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction . The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for diagnostic ability of the inflammatory cytokine. RESULTS: Serum IL-24 levels were significantly higher in SLE patients than that in healthy controls. SLE patients with nephritis had higher IL-24 levels than those without nephritis. Active SLE patients showed higher expression of IL-24 as compared to less active disease patients. The mRNA levels of IL-24 were much higher in SLE patients. Correlation analysis showed significant correlation between serum IL-24 levels and SLE disease activity index. In addition, ROC analysis may suggest good ability of serum IL-24 in differentiating SLE. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory cytokine correlated with SLE disease activity, and may be involved in this disease pathogenesis.