Furthermore, a comparison with the PBS treatment group revealed significant decreases in the concentrations of several inflammatory cytokines, including IL-21, IL-10 and IL-17A (P < 0.05), as well as significant increases in the concentrations of IL-2 and IL-12P70 in the LZ–SMS treated SLE mice (P < 0.05). The gene discussed is IL21; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.