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Mannose binding lectin levels in spondyloarthropathies
Sibel Zehra Aydin1, Pamir Atagunduz, Nevsun Inanc
1Department of Rheumatology, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. drsibelaydin@gmail.com
Objective:
Mannose binding lectin (MBL), a member of the collectin family proteins, is a major molecule of the innate immune system; MBL deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infections. As gastrointestinal and genitourinary infections are suggested to be among the etiological factors of spondyloarthropathies (SpA), we investigated MBL deficiency in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and undifferentiated SpA (uSpA).
Methods:
One hundred seven patients with AS, 43 patients with uSpA, and 74 healthy controls were studied. Disease activity, radiological scores, and demographic features were recorded. MBL levels were measured with standard ELISA kits.
Results:
Median MBL levels in AS, uSpA, and controls were 2705 (range 0-5861) ng/ml, 2897 (36-7586) ng/ml, and 3468 (0-7950) ng/ml, respectively. No significant differences were observed in median MBL levels and the prevalence of MBL deficiency between the groups. Bath AS Radiological Index scores were not affected by MBL levels. However, although statistically not significant, radiographic damage quantified by modified Stoke AS Spine Score (mSASSS) was 3 times higher in AS patients with MBL deficiency. Disease activity, clinical picture, and therapies were not associated with MBL levels.
Conclusion:
In AS patients with MBL deficiency, there was a tendency towards a more severe radiographic progression detected by mSASSS.
Insights
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency did not differ between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and controls. However, MBL deficiency showed a trend towards more severe spinal radiographic progression in AS patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a key component of the innate immune system, and MBL deficiency increases infection susceptibility.
- Gastrointestinal and genitourinary infections are implicated as potential triggers for spondyloarthropathies (SpA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of MBL deficiency in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and undifferentiated SpA (uSpA).
- To explore the association between MBL deficiency and disease severity in AS.
Main Methods:
- Studied 107 AS patients, 43 uSpA patients, and 74 healthy controls.
- Measured MBL levels using ELISA kits.
- Assessed disease activity, radiological scores, and demographic data.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in median MBL levels or MBL deficiency prevalence were found between AS, uSpA, and control groups.
- MBL levels did not correlate with Bath AS Radiological Index scores.
- AS patients with MBL deficiency exhibited a trend towards higher radiographic damage (mSASSS), approximately three times greater, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- MBL deficiency did not significantly impact disease activity or clinical features in AS patients.
- A tendency towards more severe radiographic spinal progression, as measured by mSASSS, was observed in AS patients with MBL deficiency.
