UPDATE IN DIAGNOSIS AND MONITORING OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS AND LUPUS NEPHRITIS

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this study is to investigate the role of some newly reported immunological
markers(IL-10& antiC1q antibodies) in the diagnosis and monitoring of systemic lupus
erythermatosus and lupus nephritis in correlation with the old used ones(ANA, Anti- dsDNA&C3).
Methods: Sixty systemic lupus erythermatosus patients and 30 healthy individuals were enrolled in
this study. Antinuclear antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence and western blotting techniques,
anti-dsDNA antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence technique, C3 by single radial
immunodiffusion were all performed. In addition to performance of serum anti-C1q antibodies using
ELISA & IL-10 assay after stimulation by immune complexes
Results: Patients with lupus nephritis had a statistically significant higher titers of anti-dsDNA and
anti-C1q antibodies levels compared with both SLE patients without lupus nephritis and control
group. On comparing IL-10 levels produced from PBMC after immune complexes stimulation, a
significant difference between control group and all other groups was found. In follow up, significant
difference was found regarding anti-dsDNA antibodies titers and antiC1q antibodies levels.
Conclusion: Anti-C1q antibodies may play a role in diagnosis and monitoring of Systemic lupus
erythematosus & lupus nephritis. Combined markers to be detected would give better results in
diagnosis of Systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis.
Keywords: Systemic lupus erytheramatosus,diagnosis, monitoring.ANAs, anti-dsDNA, antiC1q,
lupus nephritis.IL-10.