Sdudy on effect of tripterygium on plasma IL-18 content in patients with lupus nephritis / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>It is to study the effect of tripterygium (TW) on the plasma IL-18 content in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) and its treatment value.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The patients with LN treated with prednisone were divided into active groupand inactive group with active index. The active group was given tripterygium additionally. The changing of plasma IL-18 and release of nephritis were observed after treatment for three months.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The level of plasma IL-18 lowered down obviously, urinary protein decreased, LN activity index, hematuria and renal function improved.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Tripterygium caninhibitroduction of plasma IL-18. It has definite treatment value on controlling LN activity.</p>