ABSTRACT
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by various immunological abnormalities, including dis-regulating activation B lymphocytes with subsequent productionof a large quantity of autoreactive-antibodies. It is also hypothesized that T helper-17 lymphocytes [TH-17] may have a role in this disease. The aim of the present work was to determine the role of TH-17cells expressing the retinoid acid related orphan receptor gamma t [ROR-gamma-t] mRNA in the pathogenesis of SLE disease
Methodology: The study was conducted on 30 female SLE patients fulfilling SLICCA /ACR criteria for SLE classification and 30 healthy subjects sex- and age-matched apparently as control group with no previous history of autoimmune diseases. SLE Disease Activity Index was calculated for SLE patients. Level of expression of [ROR-gamma-t] mRNA of IL-17 were measured in all patients and control by quantitative Real Time Polymerase chain reaction [Q PCR]
Results: The mean +/- SD of ROR-gamma-t mRNA expression levels in SLE patients [3.6+/-6.1] was significantly reduced compared to that of controls [11.7+/-13.7] [p= 0.008].Neither the clinical features of SLE nor the laboratory parameters have significant relationship with ROR-gamma-t expression
Conclusion: The reduction of ROR-gamma-t mRNA expression in TH-17 lymphocytes may point out to the regulatory protective role of TH-17 in the pathogenesis of SLE. Agents that block the functions of these cells should be tried