Increased TLR9 protein level and upregulated serum cytokines IL-10 and IFN1A in systemic lupus erythematous patients

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the association between serum TLR7 and TLR9 levels and previous viral infections, disease activity, and proinflammatory cytokine levels in SLE patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in patients with SLE and healthy controls. Data on previous infections, disease activity, and clinical parameters were collected. Serum TLR7, TLR9, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interferon-α (IFN-α) levels were measured by ELISA.

Results

TLR9 levels were significantly higher in SLE patients than in controls (P < 0.001). TLR7 levels did not differ between groups but showed a positive association with age (P < 0.001). No associations were found between TLR7 or TLR9 levels and CRP, ESR, anti-dsDNA, ENAs, antiphospholipid antibodies, disease activity, previous infections, or disease duration. Lower TLR7 levels were observed in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (P = 0.001). Elevated TLR9 levels were significantly associated with increased IL-10 and IFN-α (P < 0.001). TLR7 was not associated with IFN-α, although a trend toward higher levels was observed with elevated IL-10.

Conclusion

TLR9 is elevated in SLE and correlates with IL-10 and IFN-α, while TLR7 increases with age.

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Resumen

Objetivo

Investigar la asociación entre los niveles séricos de TLR7 y TLR9 con infecciones virales previas, actividad clínica y niveles de citoquinas proinflamatorias en pacientes con LES.

Métodos

Estudio observacional transversal en pacientes con LES y controles sanos. Se recogieron datos sobre infecciones previas, actividad de la enfermedad y parámetros clínicos. Los niveles séricos de TLR7, TLR9, interleucina-10 (IL-10) e interferón-α (IFN-α) se determinaron mediante ELISA.

Resultados

Los niveles de TLR9 fueron significativamente más altos en pacientes con LES que en controles (P < 0,001). Los niveles de TLR7 no difirieron entre grupos, pero mostraron asociación positiva con la edad (P < 0,001). No se observaron asociaciones entre TLR7 o TLR9 y PCR, VSG, anti-dsDNA, ENAs, anticuerpos antifosfolípidos, actividad clínica, infecciones previas o tiempo de evolución. Se detectaron niveles bajos de TLR7 en pacientes con síndrome antifosfolípido (P = 0,001). Los niveles elevados de TLR9 se asociaron significativamente con IL-10 e IFN-α aumentados (P < 0,001). TLR7 no se asoció con IFN-α, aunque mostró tendencia a incrementarse con IL-10 elevado.

Conclusión

TLR9 está elevado en el LES y se asocia con IL-10 e IFN-α, mientras que TLR7 aumenta con la edad.