Three cases of lupus nephritis patients with serum interleukin-32γ detection

Purpose Interleukin-32 (IL-32) is an inflammatory cytokine that is associated with the pathogenesis of several connective tissue diseases. We measured serum IL-32 concentrations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods Serum samples were obtained from SLE patients (n=51), and healthy controls (n=15). Serum IL-32 concentrations were measured using ELISA. Clinical information was obtained from medical records. Results Serum IL-32 was detectable in three cases of SLE patients, whereas it was not detected in any healthy controls. Case 1: a 44-year-old female with lupus nephritis (LN) (Class II) and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Serum IL-32 was 5.1pg/ml. Case 2: a 30-year-old female with a history of diffuse proliferative LN (Class IV G (A/C)) and pulmonary hemorrhage. Serum IL-32 was 8.9pg/ml. Case 3: a 45-year-old female with chronic LN. Serum IL-32 was 9.1pg/ml. All three cases of IL-32-detectable patients had histories of LN and one had an active disease. In the context of LN, serum IL-32 was detectable in 18.8% (three of 16) of SLE patients with histories of LN. Conclusion We suppose that IL-32 could contribute to the pathogenesis of renal diseases in some LN patients.