Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Case Study

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease (1) characterized by a breakdown of B and T cells tolerance to self-antigens (2). Defective clearance of apoptotic cells could promote the release of autoantigens which in turn trigger autoimmune responses(3, 4). Generated immune dysfunctions lead to the production of abundant of autoantibodies and inflammatory cytokines(5, 6). SLE can affect various organs of the body, on people of both sexes, all ages and all ethnic groups(7). Despite of the progression in the current knowledge in molecular pathogenesis of SLE, the exact etiology of the disease still remained elusive.
In recent experimental and clinical studies abnormal stimulation of innate immunity involving
Vitamin D3 and its metabolically activated forms are steroid hormones that play important roles in the calcium homeostasis, bone formation, cardiovascular and immune system regulation (33, 34). 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 apply itself effects through receptors that express in different cells, including immune cells (35). 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 as a potential environmental factor affects immune responses (36), and in recent studies reduced serum levels of 1,25(OH)2VD3 was shown in SLE patients, especially during active phase of the disease (37). 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 has known immunomodulator properties and has been proposed as a therapeutic intervention in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Bechet's disease (BD) and other autoimmune conditions(35, 38). The purpose of the present study was, assessing the influence of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the expression of TLR3, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), in patients with