Neutrophil extracellular traps-associated markers are elevated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

AbstractNeutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are the main source of autoantigens in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical importance of NETs-associated markers in SLE. We compared NETs-associated markers in SLE patients (n = 111) with healthy controls (n = 50). Moreover, in 35 patients with drug-naïve SLE (n = 35), we investigated correlation between NETs-associated markers [DNase I concentration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, anti-MPO antibodies, cell-free DNA (cfDNA), NETolytic activity] with serological parameters [anti-dsDNA antibodies, C3, C4 and B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels] and d isease activity measured by modified SLE Disease Activity Index (M-SLEDAI-2K). In comparison with healthy controls, SLE patients had higher cfDNA, MPO activity, anti-MPO antibodies (p <  0.001), BAFF and DNase I concentration (p <  0.01). Contrary, NETolytic activity was lower in SLE patients (p <  0.05), despite higher concentration of DNase I. MPO activity and cfDNA levels showed correlation with DNase I concentration (p <  0.001,p <  0.01, respectively). BAFF levels correlated with cfDNA, DNase I concentration and MPO activity (p <  0.05). Anti-dsDNA antibodies showed correlation with MPO activity (p <  0.01), cfDNA and BAFF levels (p <  0.001). Anti-dsDNA and C3 levels were independent predictors of M-SLEDAI-2K in multivariate analysis (p <  0.01). We de...

Source: Rheumatology International - October 14, 2019 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research