Original article

Interferon alpha and non-specific markers of inflammation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

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Abstract

Aim: To determine the value of IFN (intzerferon)-? in the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to correlate IFN-? with values of non-specific biochemical parameters of inflammation (C-reactive protein, leukocytes values, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, albumins and globulins).

Methods: Research included 55 patients with SLE diagnosis and a control group consisted of 25 healthy subjects (during period 2019-2020). IFN (Interferon)-? and non-specific biochemical parameters of inflammation were obtained using standard protocols.

Results: IFN-? values were independent of gender (p=0.95). The difference in serum IFN-? values in relation with the age in the SLE group was statistically significant (p=0.036). Only serum globulin was significantly higher (p=0.0023) in IFN-? positive compared to IFN-? negative SLE patients. A statistically significant correlation between the values of IFN-? and globulin was proved (r=0.315; p=0.019). No significant correlation was found between other non-specific biochemical parameters and IFN-? values.

Conclusion: Increased IFN-? values were observed in younger patients, and the correlation between IFN and globulin was proved.

Keywords: immunity, inflammation, interferon-alpha