Abstract:



Background: Interleukin-29 (IL-29) is a recently identified cytokine that has sparked considerable academic interest due to its importance in inflammation, and autoimmune diseases and hence as an avenue for potential therapy creation and disease monitoring. This research sought to determine the role of IL29 in (RA and SLE) and its relationship to disease activity.

Methodology: A Case-control study including 144 participants, 48 in each group (RA, SLE, and control. Levels of serum IL-29 in both patients and controls were measured by Human Interleukin 29 (ELISA).

Results: IL-29 serum levels in patients with RA and SLE were significantly higher than in the control group. Moreover, there is a highly significant value of IL29 in RA patients compared to SLE patients p<0.001, there was no significant difference in serum IL29 value according to activity grade of DAS 28 in the RA group p>0.05. At the same time, in SLE there was a significant difference in serum IL29 value regarding SLEDAI grading scores p<0.001.

Conclusion: This research provides data on the relationship between IL-29 and SLE and RA, demonstrating higher IL-29 serum levels in all patients compared to controls. IL-29 may act as a pro-inflammatory cytokine and contribute to the development of RA and SLE. It was also linked to lupus activity.