Studying Tenascin-C in systemic lupus erythematosus as a new biomarker for disease activity

Abstract

Background The precise etiology and pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remain unclear. Unpredictable flares and remissions and diverse serological and clinical manifestations are observed among patients with SLE and the challenge for the evaluation of disease activity and administration of appropriate treatment. Assessment of Tenascin-C (TNC) may reflect disease activity and/or early tissue damage in SLE. Aim The aim of this study was to examine whether TNC levels are useful as a predictive biomarker in SLE and to reflect their activity. Patients and methods In all, 50 patients with SLE (25 patients with active SLE, 25 patients with inactive SLE), and 25 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Patients undergo clinical and laboratory assessment. Serum TNC was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Our results The results have shown that patients with active SLE had a higher TNC level compared with inactive patients and healthy volunteers. Also the study showed a statistically significant positive correlation between TNC level and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score. On the other hand, the TNC level correlated negatively with white blood cells, platelet counts, C3 and C4 levels, hemoglobin level, and disease status. Conclusion The increased serum tenascin level was found in patients with SLE and was correlated with certain clinical and laboratory immunoinflammatory parameters. So the estimation of serum Tenascin levels seems beneficial in the assessment of disease activity and progress in SLE patients as well as in the assessment of the efficacy of various treatment regimens used.