This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Increased levels of DNA-binding protein found in lupus nephritis patients
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Patients with lupus nephritis have increased levels of high mobility group box 1 protein both in serum levels and in renal expression, according to recent research
Researchers analyzed 35 patients with lupus nephritis (LN) by using renal biopsies for elevated serum levels of the DNA-binding protein human mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which has seen increased levels in other autoimmune diseases. After performing biopsies on the patients at baseline, researchers administered corticosteroids to conduct immunosuppressive therapy, according to the abstract that appeared in the Arthritis Research & Therapy journal.
WHO classification for LN was used to grade the biopsies. The results showed that renal tissue expression and serum levels of HMGB1 were increased in patients with LN. There also were increased protein levels at baseline, only slightly decreasing in all but three patients who were WHO class IV LN where it decreased significantly (P=.03).
Researchers suggested that the lack of decrease of HMGB1 after immunosuppressive therapy may indicate persistent inflammatory activity, according to the abstract.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
Collapse
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts