THERAPEUTIC OUTCOMES ON IL-17 LEVELS WITH CD20 VERSUS TNF-Α INHIBITORS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Back ground: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic , systemic , inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs ,once a diagnosis is made , the main treatment goals are to control disease activity and slow the rate of joint damage ,in addition to minimizing pain, stiffness, inflammation and complications. Important role of IL-17 in the development of disease and can be used as a marker for monitoring of disease activity. Aim of the Study The aim of the present study to evaluate the effects of CD20 inhibitors therapy in comparison to effects of TNF α inhibitors therapy on IL-17 in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Results:- results obtained in the present study showed that serum level of IL-17were also decrease significantly in patients treated with Rituximab group 3 ( 2.28 ) than those of group 2 Etanercept (anti-TNFα) treate d group patients (3.3). Conclusion: - the role of IL-17 in the development of disease and can be used as a marker for monitoring of disease activity