IL-10, TGF-β, IL-4, IL-27, and EBI3 are cytokines that regulate inflammation, tissue repair, and fibrosis in the kidney and other organs. These cytokines may contribute to different aspects of chronic Show more
IL-10, TGF-β, IL-4, IL-27, and EBI3 are cytokines that regulate inflammation, tissue repair, and fibrosis in the kidney and other organs. These cytokines may contribute to different aspects of chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which are associated with renal dysfunction and aberrant immune regulation. This study investigates the role of these cytokines in patients with concurrent kidney disease and SLE to understand their contribution to the pathogenesis and progression of this complex condition. Cytokine levels were measured in five groups of CKD/ESRD patients with concurrent SLE, CKD/ESRD patients without SLE, and healthy controls. We conducted a cross-sectional modest size study with 78 patients and 40 healthy controls (n = 118 total). Serum levels of IL-10, TGF-β, IL-4, IL-27, and EBI3 were measured using the ELISA. The data were analyzed and compared using theKruskal-Wallis test. Significant differences in cytokine patterns were observed. IL-10, IL-4, and EBI3 levels were elevated in CKD/ESRD patients with SLE compared to healthy controls, indicating immune dysregulation. TGF-β levels were significantly lower, suggesting a deficiency in immune regulation. IL-27 levels were found to be increased in ESRD patients with SLE compared to those without SLE, indicating its potential role in disease activity. Our study suggests that cytokines like IL-27 may be associated with disease status in patients with both ESRD and SLE. However, its utility for monitoring disease activity or guiding treatment requires validation in larger, prospective cohorts to establish sensitivity, specificity, and a causal role. Show less