Effect of mycophenolate mofetil on the immune function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective　To observe the effect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF),a new type of immunosuppressant,on the immune function in patiens with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods　The changes of serum lL-6,IL-8,TNF-α,sIL-2,ANA,A-dsDNA and subsets of lymphocytes were observed in patients with SLE before and after treatment with MMF and CTX by ELISA,indirect immunofluorescent assay and flow cytometry,and the effect of MMF and CTX on the functions of hematopoiesis,liver and kidney were also observed.Results　Three months after treatment with MMF,the serum levels of IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α,sIL-2,ANA,and A-dsDNA in patients with SLE were significantly decreased,CD3＋,CD4＋ and CD4＋CD45RA＋ cells were significantly increased,and CD8＋,CD4＋CD45RO＋,CD8＋CD45RA＋,CD8＋CD45RO＋ cells were significantly decreased.No remarkable injury was observed on the functions of hematopoiesis, liver and kidney after treatment with MMF.Conclusion　MMF can inhibit T and B lymphocytes selectvely and is a new type of immunosuppresant to treat SLE with less toxicity and side-effect.