Role of B Lymphocyte stimulator factor in systemic lupus erythematosis patients.

Bachground. The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus [S L E ] is complex .Target tissue damageis caused primarily by pathogenic autoantibodies and immune complexes. B cells play a central role in SLE Objectives. this cross sectional study aimed to detrmined level of serum b lymphocyte stimulator and find any correlation with activity and severity in SLEpatients Subjects. This study was done on 35 SLEpatients and 35 apparently healthy controls Methods.All patients subjeced to full history taking ,general examination, locomotor examination, routine laboratory inestigations ,assessment of serum level of b lymphocyte stimulator factorby ELISA results. Serum levels of lymphocyte stimulator were significantly higher in SLE patients than normal subjects Also there was significant correlation with SLEDAI,CRB,ANA and Anti- dna .But no significant correlation with C3, C4 , age, disease duration Conclusion.This results may prove the possibility that a human monoclonal antibody drug which selectively inhibits BLyS biological activity may be useful in treatment of active resistant cases