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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to measure the level of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the serum of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and correlating it with disease activity. Background AS is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects axial joints, characterized by a diffuse stiffness, with the advanced stage producing a rigid spine from the occiput to the sacrum. IL-17 may play a role in the pathogenesis, activity, and clinical manifestations of AS. IL-17 is produced by T helper 17 cells. Methods Fifty patients with AS (male:female 48:2) and 20 age-matched healthy male volunteers as controls were included in this study. Patients were diagnosed as having AS according to Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society criteria. All were subjected to demographic data, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations including serum level of IL-17A by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results were correlated with disease activity, which was assessed by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score. Results In our study, the serum levels of IL-17A in patients were significantly higher than those of the healthy controls (P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between serum IL-17A and both Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score and negative correlation between serum IL-17A and disease duration. Conclusion Serum IL-17A levels of patients with AS were significantly higher than healthy controls, and it was positively correlated with disease activity.

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