Serum DNASE1L3 level as a potential exploratory biomarker for Behçet's disease: a preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Biochemistry
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Behçet's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory vasculitis.
• Current diagnostic and monitoring tools for Behçet's disease require improvement.
• DNASE1L3, involved in chromatin degradation and autoimmunity, is a potential biomarker.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum DNASE1L3 levels in Behçet's disease patients.
• To correlate DNASE1L3 levels with clinical and inflammatory markers.
• To evaluate DNASE1L3 as a diagnostic biomarker for Behçet's disease.

Main Methods:

• Serum DNASE1L3 levels were measured using ELISA in 45 Behçet's disease patients and 45 healthy controls.
• Correlation analysis was performed between DNASE1L3 levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
• Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess diagnostic potential.

Main Results:

• Serum DNASE1L3 levels were significantly lower in Behçet's disease patients (7.14 ± 1.81 ng/mL) compared to controls (15.79 ± 3.14 ng/mL) (p < 0.001).
• DNASE1L3 levels negatively correlated with CRP (r = -0.684, p < 0.001) and ESR (r = -0.524, p < 0.001).
• A cutoff of 9.53 ng/mL demonstrated 96% sensitivity and 93% specificity for distinguishing Behçet's disease.

Conclusions:

• Serum DNASE1L3 is a potential exploratory biomarker for Behçet's disease.
• Lower DNASE1L3 levels may indicate impaired DNA clearance and contribute to inflammation in Behçet's disease.
• Further validation in larger cohorts is necessary to establish clinical utility.