CORRELATION OF IL-23 AND HLA-B27 WITH ACTIVITY OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Abstract

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory illness that affects the spine and other axial joints. Objective: This study aims to detect the role of IL-23 and HLA-B27 in some Iraqi patients in the Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Methods: a total of 100 participants aged (20-65) years old were included in this study. They are divided into two groups: 50 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and 50 healthy participants as a control group. Results: The study included a high percentage of males 37(74) % compared to females 13 (26) %, and the highest percentage of ages affected by AS was between (26-35) years. The mean of serum IL-23 level in the AS patient (166 ±2.820) compared to healthy control group (37.421 ± 1.421), with significant differences (P= 0.05). HLA-B27 was positive in 37 (74%) of patients with AS While the healthy control group was positive 7 (14%). The mean CRP and ESR of the patient group in Iraqi AS patients were 13.14 ± 2.627 and 18.30 ± 2.100, respectively. Conclusion: High positive results of IL-23 indicate that it is an important cytokine in the diagnosis of AS, and HLA-B27 is strongly associated with this disease.

Keywords: Ankylosing Spondylitis, IL-23, HLA-B27, ESR, CRP