Study of the effect of leeching on plasma endothelin and soluble interleukin-2 receptor in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
OBJECTIVE
to explore the mechanism of leeching in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).


METHODS
Forty-four patients with SLE were randomly divided into conventional corticosteroid treated group (control group, n = 20) and conventional treatment group with leeching intervention added (leeching group, n = 24). Before and after treatment the concentration of plasma endothelin (ET) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) were determined.


RESULTS
Before treatment the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R in the SLE patients were all higher than those in the normal healthy group, (P < 0.01). But after treatment the level of these in both groups were significantly improved than those of before treatment (P < 0.05), and comparison between these two treated groups showed that the difference between them was significant (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Leeching added to conventional treatment of SLE could be more effective in improving the level of plasma ET and sIL-2R, and ameliorating the impairment of renal tissues.
Nephrology Department, People's Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, China.
Shi-ping
SP
Cheng
Jia-lin
JL
Liu
Jing
J
Yuan
D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D016232:Endothelins / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D024763:Leeching / Q000009:adverse effects; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000209:etiology; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry; D012008:Recurrence; D012995:Solubility
D016232:Endothelins; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D011241:Prednisone