Level and significance of Interleukin-10 and Interferon-γ secreted by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective To investigate interleukin 10 (IL 10,Th2 type cytokines) and interferon gamma (IFN γ,Th1 type cytokines) secreting capacity by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in 30 patients with systemic lupus erythematousus (SLE) and 10 healthy individuals,and try to understand the role of Th1/Th2 balance in the pathogenesis of SLE.Method Sandwich ELISA was used to measure IL 10 and IFN γ level in the supernatant of culture from PBMCs.Results The level of IL 10 produced spontaneously by PBMCs in active stage was significantly higher than in static phase and healthy person ( P 0 001).There was significantly difference between active and inactive patients ( P 0 01).The IFN γ level was not statistically different between SLE patients and controls ( P 0 05).Conclusion These data suggest that the Th2 type cytokine (IL 10) was increased in patients with SLE,and an imbalance towards Th2 predominance may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of SLE.Regulating IL 10 level may provide a new approach for the treatment of SLE.