Elevated Levels of APRIL and BAFF in Cerebrospinal Fluid of SLE Patients
Author Information
Author(s): George-Chandy Annie, Trysberg Estelle, Eriksson Kristina
Primary Institution: Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Guldhedsgatan 10A, Gothenburg, Sweden
Hypothesis
Is neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) associated with enhanced intrathecal production of APRIL and BAFF?
Conclusion
This study shows that SLE patients have elevated levels of BAFF and APRIL in their cerebrospinal fluid, particularly in those with neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- SLE patients had levels of APRIL in CSF that were more than 20-fold higher than those of healthy controls.
- NPSLE patients had enhanced levels of APRIL in CSF compared to SLE patients without CNS involvement.
- CSF levels of APRIL correlated with BAFF but not with IL-6.
Takeaway
Doctors found that patients with a disease called lupus have much higher levels of certain proteins in their spinal fluid, which might help explain some of their brain problems.
Methodology
The study measured levels of BAFF and APRIL in cerebrospinal fluid and serum from SLE patients and healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients with non-SLE neurological conditions.
Limitations
The study did not include a diverse demographic, as most participants were Caucasian.
Participant Demographics
79 SLE patients aged 19 to 75 years, with a mean age of 45 years; 66 females and 13 males.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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