[Sdudy on effect of tripterygium on plasma IL-18 content in patients with lupus nephritis].

OBJECTIVE: 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. METHOD: 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. RESULT: The level of plasma IL-18 lowered down obviously, urinary protein decreased, LN activity index, hematuria and renal function improved. CONCLUSION: Tripterygium caninhibitroduction of plasma IL-18. It has definite treatment value on controlling LN activity.