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