Aziz, Farah Izati
(2020)
Elucidation of serum levels of IL-17, IL-23 and their receptors in systemic lupus erythematosus patients : associations with serological parameter and disease activity.
Masters thesis, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Abstract
Interleukins (ILs) are a group of cytokines, mainly synthesised by CD4+ T
helper cells, as well as by endothelial cells, monocytes and macrophages. ILs bind to
their interleukin receptors and this is one of the pivotal factors in the development
and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to
determine the serum levels of IL-17, IL-23 and their receptors; IL-17RA and IL-23R,
in SLE patients compared with healthy controls. In addition, the associations of these
interleukins and their receptors were associated with serological parameters and
disease activity, specifically SLEDAI-2K score. SLE patients and healthy controls
(n=50 in each group) were recruited in this study. The serum levels of IL-17 and IL-
23 were evaluated using pre-coated specific antibody via Human IL-17/IL-23 ELISA
test. PBMCs were isolated from the peripheral blood using Histopaque-1077 density
centrifugation and stained with fluorochrome-labelled antibodies for staining of
surface IL-17RA and IL-23R, and their levels determined by flow cytometry
analysis. SLE patients showed significantly elevated levels of IL-17RA and IL-23R
(p<0.001) compared with healthy controls. Significant downregulation of serum IL-
17 (p<0.001) while no significant difference (p=0.73) in IL-23 levels were observed
in SLE patients compared with healthy controls. In addition, no significant
associations between IL levels with SLEDAI-2K and serological parameters.
Interestingly, IL-17RA levels were significantly associated with antinuclear
antibodies (ANA) (p=0.024) and IL-23R levels were significantly associated with
higher SLEDAI-2K scores (p=0.011). However, the decreasing level of serum IL-17
might need further work as the relation with its receptor where the elevated IL-17RA
expression is expected to take up most of the circulating serum IL-17 resulting in its
reduced levels. In conclusion, we suggest that therapeutic inhibition of IL-17RA and
IL-23R represents a potential treatment option for SLE patients.
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