The relation of cytokines TH1, TH2 and TH17 in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Serum IL-6 (p=0.001), IL-10 (p=0.006), IL-12 (p=0.027) and IL-17 (p=0.0001) levels were increased in cSLE patients when compared to healthy controls. IL-6 levels were significantly increased in patients whit active disease (p=0.008). IL-6 (p=0.032) and IL-12 (p=0.028) levels were significantly increased in patients with active nephritis. We observed that IL-17 was associated with migraine (p=0.045), IL-6 with thrombocytopenia (p=0.022) and IL-12 with the presence of anxiety (p=0.048). No association between cytokine levels and SDI scores or medication was observed. Conclusion Cytokines play a central role in cSLE, IL-6 is associated with SLEDAI and may be a biomarker of disease activity, Th1 and Th2 responses may play ar ole in lupus nephritis and Th1 and Th17 may play a role in neuropsychiatric symptoms in cSLE. Longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm their ability to predict SLE related manifestations.