Identification of potential biomarkers for SLE through mRNA expression profiling

J Immunoassay Immunochem. 2024 Jan 2;45(1):20-37. doi: 10.1080/15321819.2023.2266013. Epub 2024 Jan 22.

Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that influences numerous body systems. Furin, tristetraprolin (TTP), and NOD, LRR, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) contribute in developing autoimmune illnesses.

Aim: Understandthe role of furin, TTP, and NLRP3 mRNA gene expression in SLE pathogenesis and prognosis. Methods: Total 210 individuals were enrolled, divided in two group: cases and control; 105 participants in each group. Real-time quantitative PCR for furin, TTP,and NLRP3 mRNA gene expression were determined for each subject.

Results: SLE patients showed significantly higher serum furin [median 20.10 (0.0-162.88) in comparison with control group [median 1.10 (0.33-8.64)] with significant pvalue (p < 0.001), for NLRP3 expression [median 7.03 (0.0-282.97) compared to control group [median 1.0 (0.44-9.48)] with significant p value (p = 0.006)but lower TTP [median 2.37 (0.0-30.13)] in comparison with control group [median 7.90 (1.0-29.29)] with significant p value (p < 0.001) . Elevated levels of Furin and NLRP3 and low levels of TTP were linked to increased illness activity.

Conclusion: Furin and NLRP increase in SLE and higher with illness activity. TTP is lowerin SLE and negatively correlates with disease activity.

Keywords: Gene expression; NLRP3; SLE; TTP; furin.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Furin
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / diagnosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / genetics
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein* / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism

Substances

  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Furin
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Biomarkers