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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Analyses of Proteinuria, Renal Infiltration of Leukocytes, and Renal Deposition of Proteins in Lupus-prone MRL/lpr Mice
Published on: June 8, 2022
Urinary biomarkers in lupus nephritis
Joyce Reyes-Thomas1, Irene Blanco, Chaim Putterman
1Division of Rheumatology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Forchheimer Building, Room 701N, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA.
New urinary biomarkers show promise for predicting lupus nephritis flares and outcomes. Early detection through these novel markers can improve treatment and reduce mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently involves the kidneys, leading to severe lupus nephritis (LN) with high morbidity and mortality.
- Current laboratory biomarkers are insufficient for predicting LN flares, renal histology, or patient outcomes.
- Early treatment of LN improves clinical results, necessitating the identification of predictive biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review promising novel urinary biomarkers for lupus nephritis.
- To highlight the advantages of urinary biomarkers over serum markers and renal biopsies for monitoring LN.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on urinary biomarkers for lupus nephritis.
- Discussion of candidate biomarkers including total proteinuria, microalbuminuria, proteomic signatures, and inflammatory mediators.
Main Results:
- Urinary biomarkers are more accessible and less invasive than repeat renal biopsies.
- Specific urinary biomarkers like IL-6, VCAM-1, CXCL16, IP-10, and TNF-weak inducer of apoptosis show potential.
- Proteomic signatures and general measures like proteinuria are also under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Novel urinary biomarkers offer significant potential for improved prediction of LN activity and outcomes.
- Developing reliable urinary biomarkers is crucial for timely intervention and better management of lupus nephritis.
- Further research into these biomarkers could reduce the severe sequelae associated with this challenging manifestation of SLE.
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