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Prolactin levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case controlled study
P Jimena1, M A Aguirre, A López-Curbelo
1Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Reína Sofía, Córdoba, Spain.
Lupus
|September 15, 1998
Summary
Elevated prolactin (PRL) levels were found in 27.7% of women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While higher in SLE patients, PRL levels did not correlate with disease activity or clinical findings.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Prolactin (PRL) is recognized as a significant immunomodulator.
- Emerging evidence suggests a potential role for PRL in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in women diagnosed with SLE.
- To investigate the association between PRL levels and SLE disease activity.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to measure plasma PRL levels in 36 women with SLE and 20 healthy controls.
- Disease activity was quantified using the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI); scores > 10 indicated active disease.
- Exclusion criteria included renal/hepatic failure, pregnancy, and use of PRL-affecting medications.
Main Results:
- Hyperprolactinemia (PRL > 20 ng/ml) was identified in 10 out of 36 (27.7%) SLE patients.
- Mean PRL levels were significantly higher in the SLE group compared to the control group (17.1±12.9 ng/ml vs 9.9±3.5 ng/ml, P < 0.01).
- A non-significant trend towards higher PRL levels was observed in active SLE patients versus inactive patients (21.1±4.8 ng/ml vs 14.8±6.9 ng/ml, P = 0.09).
Conclusions:
- A notable proportion of women with SLE exhibit hyperprolactinemia.
- PRL levels do not appear to correlate with SLE disease activity, SLEDAI scores, or specific clinical/serological markers in this cohort.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of prolactin in SLE pathogenesis.