The Expression of Toll-like Receptor (TLR)4 of Immune Cells In The Saliva Associated with Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D/25(OH)D in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Pilot Study

Objective: The expression of Toll like receptor (TLR) 4 in immune cells in saliva of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) may affected by Vitamin D deficiency.Since Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) development. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between TLR4 expression ofimmune (CD11b+) cellsin the saliva and serum vitamin D /25-hydroxyvitamin Dof SLE. Methods: The SLE patients who treated at the Rheumatology clinic, Internal Medicine Department, Surabaya andmet the inclusion and exclusion criteria was involved to underwent unstimulated whole saliva collection for TLR4 examination and blood sample for25-hydroxy vitamin D/25(OH)D examination. The correlation between TLR4 expression of immune cells in saliva and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D/25(OH)D concentration was analyzed using the correlation test, linear regression with 95% confidence level. Results: The mean value of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D/25(OH)D concentration of SLE patients was 9.9+4.6 ng/mL. The mean of TLR4 expression of CD11b+ cells in saliva was 26.0+20.9%. There was a significant correlation between TLR4 expression of CD11b+ cells in the saliva and serum vitamin D/25(OH)D concentration.(r = 0.473; p < 0.05). 25-hydroxyvitamin D/25(OH)D was the only predictor for TLR4 expression. Conclusion: TLR4 expression of CD11b+ cells in the saliva associated with serum vitamin D/25(OH)D concentrations in SLE. Thus, vitamin D may contribute to the regulation of immune response in oral cavity in SLE patients.