Identification of potential biomarkers for SLE through mRNA expression profiling

Abstract

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.