Cytokine production, serum levels and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract

Our results confirm earlier reports that SLE patients have an increased production as well as increased serum levels of the type 2 cytokines IL-10 and IL-6. We found no significant correlation between IL-6 and IL-10 and disease activity or clinical profiles. Serum IL-10 levels correlated with the titre of anti-ds DNA antibodies in the SLE patients. In summary, our result indicate that the increased IL-10 production in SLE could be constitutive.