[NETosis in lupus nephritis].

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with potential organ damage.
• Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe manifestation of SLE, impacting kidney function.
• Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is an enzyme released during neutrophil activation, and MPO-DNA complexes are markers of NETosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate MPO-DNA complex levels in SLE patients.
• To assess the association between MPO-DNA complex levels and the presence and activity of LN.

Main Methods:

• Serum MPO-DNA complex levels were measured using ELISA in 77 SLE patients and 20 healthy controls.
• SLE patients included those with and without anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS).
• Associations with LN history, active LN, urinalysis findings, and SLEDAI-R were analyzed.

Main Results:

• SLE patients exhibited significantly higher MPO-DNA complex levels than controls (p=0.001).
• Elevated MPO-DNA complex levels were associated with a history of LN (p=0.009) and active LN (p=0.034).
• MPO-DNA complex levels correlated with proteinuria, hematuria, casts, leukocyturia, and SLEDAI-R in active LN.

Conclusions:

• 39% of SLE patients had elevated MPO-DNA complex levels.
• Elevated MPO-DNA complex is linked to a higher prevalence and activity of LN.
• MPO-DNA complex may serve as a potential biomarker for renal damage activity in SLE.