Role of Advanced Glycation End Products as New Biomarkers in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are implicated in chronic inflammation and immune-mediated diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• Previous studies show conflicting associations between AGEs levels and SLE disease parameters, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare AGEs levels, measured by skin autofluorescence, between SLE patients and healthy controls (HC).
• To investigate the correlation of AGEs levels with various clinical and demographic parameters in SLE patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study comparing AGEs levels via skin autofluorescence in SLE patients and sex/age-matched HC (1:3 ratio).
• Statistical analyses included multiple linear regression and ANOVA, adjusted for confounders, to assess associations between AGEs and disease parameters.

Main Results:

• SLE patients exhibited significantly higher AGEs levels compared to HC (p < 0.001).
• AGEs levels positively correlated with SLE disease activity (SLEDAI), damage (SDI), global assessments, C-reactive protein, leukocyturia, complement C4, IL-6, and oral ulcers.
• Negative associations were observed with anti-nuclear and anti-Ro60 antibodies.

Conclusions:

• AGEs contribute to SLE pathophysiology, correlating with disease activity and damage.
• AGEs show promise as novel biomarkers for managing and predicting the prognosis of SLE.
• Associations with specific antibodies and manifestations may define distinct clinical phenotypes related to AGEs levels.