Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic
autoimmune disease characterized by aberrant T cell immune response. Diffuse proliferative
lupus nephritis (LN-IV) is the most common, severe, and active form of
lupus nephritis. In this study, we investigated the production of Th1, Th2, and Th17
cytokines in prediction of active form of LN-IV. ProcartaPlex multiplex immunoassays panels were used for detection of serum Th1, Th2, and Th17
cytokines profiling. Th1 and Th17
cytokines (IL-18, IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-6, and IL-17A) were considerably expressed in the serum of
lupus nephritis IV patients in comparison to the healthy control. However, only
IL18 and
IL6 were higher in class IV versus class III
lupus nephritis. Importantly, the ratios of Th1/Th2 (IL-18/IL-4) and Th17/Th2 (IL-17A/IL-4) were significantly elevated in LN-IV when compared with LN-III, LN-V, and healthy controls. Consistently, the serum
cytokines IL-18,
IL-17A, and IFN-γ were markedly expressed in LN-IV patient glomeruli and interstitial tissue compared to other classes of LN by IHC. ROC further suggests that
IL-18 was a potential marker for LN-IV. The data from our study suggests that the early detection and quantification of these
cytokines may help in prediction of active form of LN-IV.