RESUMO
To detect serum interleukin-16 level in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and to find out its correlation with disease activity. The study included 30 female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. 20 apparently healthy females with matched age represent the control group. All patients subjected to full history taking, thorough clinical assessment of disease activity using SLE Disease Activity Index [SLEDAI] serum level of IL-16 mere examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Serum level of interleukin-16 [IL-16] was significantly increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus compared to controls and there was a significant positive correlation between IL-16 levels and disease activity assessed by the SLEDAI score. Circulating IL-16 levels are high in SLE patients and are correlated with the disease activity so serum level of IL-16 can be used as a useful indicator of SLE disease activity