Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Risk Factors: Novel Proteins Detected From Familial SLE Using Proteomics

Abstract

Objective In order to investigate the pathogenesis role of proteins in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Protein profiles of 153 serum samples from an SLE family with 7 members, 63 individual SLE patients, and 83 healthy controls were analyzed using MALDI-TOF-MS. Results The protein level at m/z of 9342.23 was significantly higher in the SLE family compared with individual SLE patients and healthy controls, and the protein in individual SLE was significantly higher than healthy controls. The extra proteins are possibly novel peptides instead of autoantibodies or other proteins detected before. Proteins at m/z of 4094.03, 5905.35, and 7973.53 in the SLE family were significantly lower than individual SLE patients and healthy controls, and those in individual SLE were significantly lower than healthy controls. Conclusion The 4 discriminative proteins may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE and predict the risk of suffering SLE. Individuals with more protein at an m/z of 9342.23 and less proteins of 4094.03, 5905.35, and 7973.53 may have a higher risk of suffering SLE.