The relationship between Th1/Th2-type cells and disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective To investigate the imbalance of Th1/Th2-type cytokines in patient s with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its relation to disease activ ity. Methods Intracellular cytokines were determined by flow-cytometry following whole-blood culture. Results Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index ( SLEDAI) > 10 had statistically significantly fewer CD4(+) or CD8(+) T cells producing IFN-gamma than patients with SLEDAI = 0, SLEDAI 1 - 10 or health y controls (P < 0.01, P < 0.01 or P < 0.05, respectively). Patients with SL EDAI > 10 also had decreased ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 positive CD4(+) or CD8 (+) T cells, compared with patients with SLEDAI = 0, SLEDAI 1 - 10 or healt hy controls (P < 0.05). The decreased Th1 or Tc1 cells and the ratios of IF N-gamma: IL-4 positive CD4(+) T-cells were significantly correlated with di sease activity (P < 0.05). Conclusion SLE is characterized by an imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2 cyto kines. The decreased Th1 or Tc1 cells and the Th1/Th2 ratio are related to disease activity.