P0492icam-1 and Vegf as Biomarkers for Prediction Lupus Nephritis Flare

Abstract

Background and Aims Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is autoimmune systemic disease of the connective tissue and characterized by the development of severe complications associated with damage to vital organs, in particular the kidneys. One of the important issues is an adequate assessment of the current activity and the objective prediction of the lupus nephritis (LN) flare. For this purpose molecular biomarkers are being searched. The work aim is the analyzing role of the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the serum and urine of patients with SLE as a biomarker for lupus nephritis flare. Method The study group consisted of patients with SLE with LN (n = 23). The control group included patients with SLE without renal pathology (n = 13). The concentration of ICAM-1 and VEGF molecules was determined in blood serum and urine by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The median concentration of ICAM-1in serum in patients with LN is 822.41 (580.50; 1300.95) ng/ml. That is two times higher than this indicator in the control group (378.97 (356.47; 439.52) ng/ml). The concentration of the VEGF molecule in serum in the group of LN is 91.99 (74.18; 132.58) ng/ml. That is three times higher than in the control group (31.13 (22.32; 132.58) ng/ml). An increase in the blood serum concentration of patients with SLE ICAM ≥577.7 ng/ml will indicate the presence of LN with a sensitivity of 82.61% and a specificity of 83.33%. ROC analysis showed the AUC coefficient is 0.927 (p = 0.0001). An increase in the blood serum in VEGF concentration of ≥66.43 ng/ml in patients with SLE will indicate the presence of LN with a sensitivity of 80.00% and a specificity of 83.33%. ROC analysis showed that the AUC coefficient is 0.916 (p = 0.006). Conclusion The results allow to conclude that it is possible to use the ICAM and VEGF concentration in serum and urine as early molecular markers of the LN and LN flare in patients with SLE.