Figure 3.

The levels of IL-17 after treatment with 1,25(OH)₂D₃, MTX, and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ plus MTX in RA patients. The RA patients' PBMCs are treated with either anti-CD3/CD28, 1,25(OH)₂D₃, MTX at various concentrations, or with the combination of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and MTX (D2 M2 group). The RA patients' PBMCs treated with either Anti-CD3/CD28, or 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and MTX at various concentrations, or the combination of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and MTX (D2M2 group). The levels of IL-17 were detected and significantly decreased in the groups of 1,25(OH)₂D₃, MTX and D2M2 compared to those of the group of anti-CD3/CD28 (P < 0.05). *Mean P < 0.05.