No abstract

Background A correlation was detected between the chemokine CXC ligand 13 (CXCL13) and lupus nephritis, but there is no data recorded in the literature about a relationship with other disease manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, we sought to investigate the relationship between CXCL13 and overall disease activity and other disease manifestations in SLE. Patients and Methods Fifty-seven SLE patients (51 female, 6 male) aged 18–60 years, fulfilling≥4 SLICC classification criteria for the classification of SLE, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Disease activity was scored using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scoring system. The serological workup included routine lab investigations (full blood count, liver and kidney function tests, and urinalysis) as well as ESR, CRP, anti-ds DNA, C3, C4, 24-h urine protein, and creatinine clearance. Plasma CXCL13 levels were detected by ELISA. Results CXCL13 levels were elevated in active SLE patients. A significant positive correlation was found between the total score of SLEDAI and CXCL13 levels (r=0.547, p-value <0.0001). A statistically significant difference was found regarding the mean CXCL13 levels between the patient groups (classified according to SLEDAI score) (inactive <3, mild/moderate ≥3–12, severe ˃12) (p-value<0.001). The anti-ds DNA antibody titre showed a significant positive correlation with CXCL13 levels (r=0.335, p-value<0.05). The complement levels (C3, C4) showed a significant negative correlation with CXCL13 levels (p-value<0.001). Also there was a significant positive correlation between 24-h urine protein and urinary casts and CXCL13 levels (p-value<0.05). Conclusion Our study revealed elevated levels of serum CXCL13 in active SLE patients. We demonstrated a highly significant positive correlation between serum CXCL13 levels in active SLE patients and SLE disease activity, which supports the role of CXCL13 in the pathogenesis of SLE disease and its activity. Among the variants used in calculating the SLEDAI score, we detected significant relations between level of serum CXCL13 and each of total and extra-renal SLEDAI score.

Background In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is frequently used. It reduces the risk of illness flare-ups, prevents thrombosis, and lowers the possibility of long-term organ damage. HCQ's advantageous impact on cholesterol levels and diabetes risk reduction. Objective:The aim of the present study was to identify the efficacy of HCQ in rheumatic diseases and associated comorbidities. Patients and method: This cross-sectional study included a total of 71 RA and 9 SLE patients, attending at

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple joints causing joint destruction. KIAA1199 is a novel angiogenic biomarker derived from fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) it has a role in acceleration and proliferation of FLS and activation of angiogenic signaling pathways leading to erosion of cartilage and bone. Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MUSU) and Power Doppler (PDUS) directly visualizing the synovial membrane vessels, which is important in providing very early information on the changes in synovitis activity during the course of the inflammatory joint disease Objective To assess the serum level of angiogenic biomarker KIAA1199 in RA patients and its correlation with MSUS, PDUS findings, and the disease activity Patients and methods: Fifty RA patients and 40 healthy control persons age and sex-matched were recruited in this study, KIAA1199 was assessed in the serum of patients and controls, MSUS and PDUS were done for the wrist, elbow, and knee joints for all RA patients Results Serum KIAA1199 level was significantly higher among RA patients 4.36±1.22 ng/dl compared to control group 2.87±0.51 ng/dl (p<0.001). There was a highly significant correlation between KIAA1199 level and DAS28 (p=0.004), and there was a significant correlation between the PDUS with KIAA1199 level and DAS28 (p=0.001, 0.002 respectively) in wrist joints Conclusion KIAA1199 is a new pathway that enhancing cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Serum KIAA1199 level may be a useful biomarker for RA activity, and therapeutic target in RA. PDUS correlates significantly with clinical findings and novel angiogenic biomarker in RA patients.

No abstract