Interleukin-17 and interleukin-23 cytokine profiles in palindromic rheumatism: potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for disease progression to rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND

Palindromic rheumatism (PR) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent inflammatory episodes, often progressing to more severe forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The interleukin (IL)-17/23 axis plays a crucial role in autoimmunity and joint inflammation; however, its involvement in PR remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate mRNA expression and serum levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in PR, RA, and healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 20 PR patients, 40 RA patients, and 40 age- and gender-matched HCs. Serum cytokine levels and gene expression were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Correlations between cytokine levels, joint involvement, and disease activity were analyzed.

RESULTS

Serum and mRNA expression levels of IL-17 and IL-23 were significantly higher in PR and RA patients compared to HCs. Notably, IL-17 and IL-23 levels were significantly higher in PR patients than RA patients, suggesting distinct inflammatory mechanisms. There was a significant positive correlation between IL-17 and IL-23 expression levels in PR and RA groups. However, no significant association was found between cytokine levels with clinical manifestations, autoantibodies and disease activity in PR and RA groups.

CONCLUSION

The research findings provide valuable insights into immune imbalances and increased gene expression and protein levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in PR patients, offering potential therapeutic targets. Targeting these cytokines or their receptors may provide novel therapeutic strategies to prevent PR progression to RA.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.