A 20-year-old male presented to the OPD with recurrent episodes of lower backache which was more in morning and relieved on movement. Patient gave history of multiple episodes of chest infections in the past for which the patient was hospitalized multiple times. On ophthalmoscopic examination, iritis and conjunctivitis were noted. Lab findings revealed HLA-B27 positivity, elevated CRP and elevated ESR. The doctor ordered the x-ray of the lumbar spine and performed a test. Which of the following interleukins is most commonly involved in the pathogenesis of the above disease: –
A 20-year-old male presented to the OPD with recurrent episodes of lower backache which was more in morning and relieved on movement. Patient gave history of multiple episodes of chest infections in the past for which the patient was hospitalized multiple times. On ophthalmoscopic examination, iritis and conjunctivitis were noted. Lab findings revealed HLA-B27 positivity, elevated CRP and elevated ESR. The doctor ordered the x-ray of the lumbar spine and performed a test. Which of the following interleukins is most commonly involved in the pathogenesis of the above disease: –
π‘ Explanation
**Core Concept**
The patient's presentation of recurrent lower backache, history of chest infections, iritis, conjunctivitis, HLA-B27 positivity, and elevated inflammatory markers is suggestive of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a type of spondyloarthritis. AS is characterized by chronic inflammation of the axial skeleton and peripheral joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and eventual fusion of the spine.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis involves an abnormal immune response, with a key role played by interleukin-23 (IL-23). IL-23 promotes the differentiation of Th17 cells, which are involved in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of autoreactive T cells, leading to inflammation and tissue damage in AS. The patient's HLA-B27 positivity is a genetic predisposition that increases the risk of developing AS, but it is not the primary driver of the disease process.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is involved in the inflammatory response, but it is not the primary interleukin involved in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis.
**Option B:** Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is involved in the regulation of the immune response, particularly in the differentiation of Th2 cells, but it is not directly involved in the pathogenesis of AS.
**Option C:** Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that regulates the immune response, but it is not the primary interleukin involved in the pathogenesis of AS.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Ankylosing spondylitis is a classic example of a spondyloarthritis, which is characterized by inflammation of the axial skeleton and peripheral joints. The disease is strongly associated with HLA-B27 positivity, but the exact pathogenesis is complex and involves multiple genetic and environmental factors.
**Correct Answer: C. Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is most commonly involved in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis.
β Correct Answer: B. IL-17
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