Serum Interleukin-37: a new player in Lupus Nephritis?

INTRODUCTION: Interleukin-37 (IL-37) has been proved to be a fundamental natural suppressor of innate immunity and inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). The purpose of this study was to assess serum IL-37 level in SLE patients and its correlation with disease activity and clinical and laboratory manifestations of SLE patients.

PATIENTS/METHODS: The serum level of IL-37 was assessed and analyzed in 100 SLE patients and 50 healthy controls by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical and laboratory manifestations and disease activity using SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) were also assessed.

RESULTS: IL-37 serum level was significantly higher among SLE patients than controls. It has statistically significant correlation with disease activity, renal and mucocutaneous involvement in SLE patients.

CONCLUSION: IL-37 level is elevated in SLE patients in comparison to healthy controls and is correlated to high disease activity, mucocutaneous and renal involvement.