Systemic lupus erythematosus in women and serum interleukin-6, sperm and zona pellucida antibodies

Systemic lupus erthematosus (SLE) has been very often associated with complication in reproduction. 29 SLE women divided into two groups A (10 patients aged 18-36 years) and B (19 patients aged 42-67 years) were queried with regard to general, obstetric and SLE history by the use of a questionnaire. Serum of each patient was tested for interleukin-6 (by ELISA), sperm antibodies (by mixed antiglobulin reaction and tray agglutination test) and zona pellucida antibodies (passive haemagglutination test and ELISA methods). Neuropathic, cutaneous and nephrotic symptoms prevailed in the SLE women. The group of younger women showed significant problems in fertility (only one woman became a happy mother) while 15 women in the elderly group were successfully pregnant before SLE diagnosis. Low serum II-6 levels were detectable only in 3 cases as a possible consequence of corticoid treatment. Levels of zona pellucida antibodies were higher in the elderly group B, levels of sperm antibodies were higher in contrast to younger SLE women (group A). The laboratory findings may be related to the severity of autoimmune disease and to menopause onset (group B) or good sexual activity (group A).