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Published on: March 1, 2011
Elevated serum interleukin-41 levels as a potential biomarker in ankylosing spondylitis
Wubing Lu1, Zhi Li1, Shanjun Shi1
1Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
Background:
Interleukin (IL)-41 is a novel cytokine, also known as Metrnl, and its role in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) remains unknown. The aim of this study is to measure the serum IL-41 levels in AS patients and their correlation with other clinical indicators.
Methods:
This study recruited 106 participants, including 32 active AS patients, 32 inactive AS patients, and 42 healthy controls (HC). Basic information and clinical indicators of participants were obtained through physical examination and blood sample testing. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect IL-41 levels.
Results:
Patients with active and inactive AS had significantly higher serum IL-41 levels than HC. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that IL-41 in active AS was positively correlated with lymphocyte percentage; IL-41 in inactivated AS is negatively correlated with alkaline phosphatase and creatinine. IL-41 as an independent protective factor for AS had good value for the diagnosis of AS.
Conclusion:
This study indicates that serum IL-41 levels are elevated in both active and inactive AS patients, suggesting that IL-41 may be a novel biomarker for AS.
