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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Increased serum interleukin 23 in patients with systemic sclerosis
Kazuhiro Komura1, Manabu Fujimoto, Minoru Hasegawa
1Department of Dermatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|December 19, 2007
Summary
Elevated serum levels of interleukin-23 (IL-23) are linked to systemic sclerosis (SSc). This finding suggests IL-23 may play a role in SSc development and offers a potential therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Cytokine Signaling
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with complex pathogenesis.
- Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a cytokine involved in T lymphocyte differentiation.
- The role of IL-23 in SSc is currently unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum IL-23 levels in patients with SSc.
- To explore the clinical associations of IL-23 in SSc.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum IL-23.
- Study included 63 SSc patients, 15 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and 31 healthy controls.
- SSc patients were categorized into limited and diffuse cutaneous subtypes.
Main Results:
- Serum IL-23 levels were significantly higher in SSc patients compared to SLE patients and healthy controls.
- Elevated IL-23 correlated with longer disease duration and pulmonary fibrosis presence.
- IL-23 levels did not associate with skin sclerosis extent or pulmonary fibrosis severity.
Conclusions:
- IL-23 is implicated in the induction of SSc.
- Targeting IL-23 may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for early SSc.
- Further research is warranted to explore IL-23 blockade in SSc treatment.
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