Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with variable clinical presentations, ranging from mild symptoms to life-threatening organ damage. Lupus nephritis, a severe renal manifestation of SLE, significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality. IL-33, a cytokine from the IL-1 family, has been implicated in immune regulation and inflammation, emerging as a potential marker in SLE pathogenesis and progression.
This study systematically evaluates serum IL-33 levels in 96 participants divided into three groups: SLE patients with lupus nephritis, SLE patients without nephritis, and matched healthy controls. The study is conducted over one year at the Rheumatology Department of Assiut University Hospital. It includes clinical assessments, laboratory investigations (including ELISA for IL-33, autoantibody profiles, renal function), renal Doppler ultrasound for nephritis patients, and renal biopsy analyzed using ISN/RPS classification.
By assessing IL-33 levels alongside clinical manifestations, disease activity indices, and histopathological findings, the study aims to define IL-33's diagnostic and prognostic utility in lupus nephritis and overall SLE disease monitoring. Statistical analysis with SPSS includes ANOVA and correlation tests to detect differences and associations.
