ELISA analysis and data calculation

We separated the serum and blood cells and stored the samples at−80°C prior to use. For ELISA assays, we used the Interleukins 23A (Human) ELISA testing kit (96T), No.: CK - E10077H, from Shanghai Yuanye Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. The IL23A levels were measured by ELISA using a microplate reader (BioTeK Epoch, USA).

To make a standard curve for measuring the levels of IL–23A, we put the OD values of six different concentrations of standard substance minus the OD value of blank hole on ordinate Y and the concentrations of the standard substance on the abscissa X, and then calculated the regression equation (Y = aX + b, R2 value). The concentrations of IL–23A in the samples were then determined according to their OD values. Finally, using GraphPad Prism, we conducted the T test.