Correlations of Expression Levels of a Panel of Genes (IRF5, STAT4, TNFSF4, MECP2, and TLR7) and Cytokine Levels (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Outcomes in Jordanian Patients

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by systemic end-organ damage. We investigated the involvement of IRF5, TLR-7, MECP2, STAT4, and TNFSF4 genes and TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, IL-6, and IL-10 cytokines in SLE pathogenesis and in organ damage in Jordanian patients. Blood was collected from 51 patients and 50 controls. Expression levels of SLE genes in PBMCs and cytokine levels were determined using RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Expression levels of all genes and levels of TNF-α, IL-12, IL-6, and IL-10 were higher in SLE patients than those in controls (p<0.05), whereas IL-2 level was lower. High STAT4 (α), TNFSF4, and IL-10 levels correlated with cardiovascular damage, and high MECP2 (α) and TNF-α correlated with renal damage. Pulmonary and musculoskeletal damages correlated with high levels of TNFSF4. We concluded that STAT4 and TNFSF4 genes with TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines could be used as biomarkers to assess SLE activity and manage treatment.