Objective To evaluate the relationship between cytokines and the active systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE). Methods 46 cases with active SLE were graded in three levels (minor, medium ,serious) and grouped into two (LN, non-LN). Serum levels of IL-1，SIL-2R，IL-6 and IL-8 were measured by using ELISA method. Results The serum levels of IL-1，SIL-2R，IL-6 and IL-8 in SLE patients were enhanced significantly as compared to the normal control, and the serum levels of cytokines had a positive correlation with the active SLE. Furthermore, the serum levels of SIL-2R, IL-6，IL-8 from LN patients were higher than that from non-LN patients. Conclusion These results suggest that the abnormally enhanced cytokines disturb the immunity network and cause immunity damage. Thus, Measuring serum cytokines is important in clinic therapy in recognizing the degrees of SLE activity.