Affiliation:
1. State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
2. Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
Abstract
Abstract
Context
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease closely associated with Graves’ disease. IL-38, a novel cytokine in the IL-1 superfamily, has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases.
Objective
We aimed to evaluate the relationship between IL-38 and TAO disease activity and its role in inflammation and fibrosis in TAO.
Methods
Blood samples and orbital connective tissues were collected from TAO patients and controls. Orbital fibroblasts were isolated from patients with TAO. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed.
Results
Here, we demonstrated that IL-38 levels decreased in the circulation and orbital connective tissues of patients with TAO compared with the controls, and levels were negatively correlated with the clinical activity score. In vitro, potent anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of IL-38 were observed. Furthermore, we revealed that IL-38 can counteract the phosphorylation of star molecules in multiple classical pathways.
Conclusion
IL-38 plays a protective role in TAO and is associated with its pathogenesis. Our data suggest that IL-38 may be a promising marker of TAO disease activity and a potential target for TAO therapy.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Fundamental Research Funds of the State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology
Subject
Biochemistry (medical),Clinical Biochemistry,Endocrinology,Biochemistry,Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Cited by
21 articles.
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