The plasma level of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and its relation to disease activity

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, the role of high mobility group box-(HMGB-1) protein and its receptors has received increasing attention. It has been documented that HMGB-1 is associated with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). HMGB-1 supports the inflammatory clearance of apoptotic cells and remnants. It binds to molecules released from apoptotic cells such as nucleosomes and DNA thereby, increasing the immunogenicity of macrophages through receptors for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE).
Aim of the work: Was to measure the plasma level of sRAGE in SLE patients and to correlate it with the clinical and laboratory parameters of disease activity.
Patients and methods: The study was composed of 35 SLE patients; 31 females and 4 males (Group I) and 20 age and gender matched healthy subjects as a control (Group II). All patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)  classification criteria for the diagnosis of SLE. Active disease was identified using SLE disease activity index (SLE-DAI). Demographic data, cutaneous  manifestations, arthritis, vasculitis, myositis, renal, and hematological disorders were recorded. In addition; complete blood picture, blood urea, serum creatinine, 24 h urine proteins, creatinine clearance, protein/creatinine ratio, C3, C4, Anti-nuclear antibody, Anti-double stranded DNA were conducted for all patients and controls.
Results: The mean value of plasma level of (sRAGE) in SLE patients was significantly higher in SLE patients than in the normal healthy controls (P <0.001). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between sRAGE and SLE-DAI (P <0.001).
Conclusion: The plasma level of sRAGE is considered as a potential biomarker for disease activity in SLE, severity and prognosis.