Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Oxidative Stress in Lupus Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Liu Lu, de Leeuw Karina, van Goor Harry, Doornbos-van der Meer Berber, Arends Suzanne, Westra Johanna
Primary Institution: University Medical Centre Groningen
Hypothesis
To investigate the levels of plasma neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and free thiols, and to explore the relationship between NETs and oxidative stress in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.
Conclusion
Levels of NETs were increased in quiescent SLE patients, and there was a significant negative correlation between NETs and free thiol levels, suggesting a potential role of oxidative stress in NETs formation.
Supporting Evidence
- NETs levels were significantly higher in both non-LN and LN patients compared to healthy controls.
- Free thiol levels were not significantly different between groups.
- NETs were negatively correlated with free thiols in all SLE patients.
Takeaway
This study found that patients with lupus have higher levels of certain immune markers called NETs, which are linked to stress in the body, but the levels of another marker that shows stress didn't differ much between groups.
Methodology
Plasma levels of NETs and free thiols were measured cross-sectionally in 100 SLE patients and 22 healthy controls using ELISA and a thiol assay kit.
Limitations
The study had a relatively small number of patients and all were in remission, limiting the ability to explore relationships with other factors.
Participant Demographics
Most SLE patients were female (84%), mean age was 49 years, and median disease duration was 11 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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