The Role of Cytokine Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism in Arthritis Among Jordanian Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Arthritis is among its most common clinical manifestations. This study investigated Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokine genes, including TNF, IL6, IL10, IFNG, and TGFB1, among Jordanian patients with lupus arthritis and healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 77 patients with SLE and 45 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Peripheral blood samples (3 mL) were collected, and SNPs were analyzed using the PCR-SSP method. RESULTS: The TNF-308 G allele (p = 0.003), TNF-308 G/G genotype (p = 0.003), IL10-1082 G/G genotype (p = 0.002), IL10 GCC/GCC genotype (p = 0.002), and TGFB1 (c10, c25) GG haplotype (p = 0.009) were associated with an increased risk of lupus arthritis in patients with SLE. Conversely, the TNF-308 A allele (p = 0.003), TNF-308 G/A genotype (p = 0.009), IL10-1082 G/A genotype (p < 0.01), and IL10 GCC/ACC genotype (p < 0.01) were more frequent in controls, suggesting a protective role against lupus arthritis. DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that cytokine gene polymorphisms may contribute to susceptibility to lupus arthritis among Jordanian SLE patients. Variations in TNF, IL10, and TGFB1 genes appear to be particularly important in modulating disease risk and immune responses. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential value of cytokine SNP profiling as a supportive tool for early recognition, risk assessment, and management strategies for lupus arthritis.