ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to assess the role of soluble Apofas-l [CD95] and annexin V in cases ofSLE, RA and normal healthy controls.This study included 15 patients with RA [GPI] 15 patients with SLE [GPH] fulfilling the ARAcriteria for diagnosis and 10 age and sex matched healthy controls [GP HI].All groups were assessed by ESR, CRP, anti Ds DNA by Enzyme linked Immuno Sorbent assay [ELISA] technique, ANA by immunofluorescence and human: serum apofas-1 [CD 95] by enzyme immunoassay andannexin V.Soluble level of apoptotic factor CD 95 was higher in group I, II than controls but more higher inSLE group. Annexin V positive cells was higher in group 7, II than controls and group II was higher thangroup I. In SLE group a significant positive correlation was found between ANA and annexin V and alsobetween CD 95 and annexin V.As regards group I [RA] there was a positive correlation between CD 95 and apoptotic cells. In conclusion; increased apoptotic cells could be a potential sources of lupus specific autoantigens and failure of clearance of apoptotic cells can trigger activity of SLE