血清B淋巴细胞刺激因子在系统性红斑狼疮中的意义

目的 研究血清B淋巴细胞刺激因子（Blys）在系统性红斑狼疮（SEE）中的意义。方法 酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）法检测125例SLE患者血清Blys水平，并与狼疮活动程度和临床表现进行相关性分析。结果 125例SLE患者血清平均Blys水平显著高于正常对照组[（0．72±0．18）ng／ml vs（0．34±0．10）ng／ml，P=0．0031]；SLE患者血清平均Blys水平与SLE疾病活动指数（SLEDAI）积分呈一定程度相关性（r=0．73，P=0．018）；SLE患者血清Blys水平与抗dsDNA抗体滴度呈正相关，而与血清IgG、补体、蛋白尿、白细胞、血小板计数，以及皮疹、关节痛、口腔溃疡、脱发、发热等临床表现等均无显著相关性（P〉0．05）。结论 SLE患者血清Blys水平升高，与狼疮活动呈一定相关性，但不能准确反映病变部位及严重程度。     

系统性红斑狼疮患者血清B细胞激活因子水平的检测

目的建立检测血清B细胞激活因子(B lym phocyte stim ulator,BlyS)水平的酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)方法,并检测系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)患者的血清BlyS水平,初步探讨BlyS与SLE发病机制的关系。方法以商品化的抗人BlyS单克隆抗体、生物素化抗人BlyS多克隆抗体,采用双抗夹心法建立检测BlyS血清水平ELISA方法。对59例SLE确诊患者和40名正常健康献血者的血清BlyS水平、免疫球蛋白(IgG、IgA、IgM)浓度、自身抗体[抗双链DNA抗体(抗dsDNA抗体)]滴度进行检测,比较SLE患者的血清BlyS水平与免疫球蛋白浓度、自身抗体滴度的相关性。结果59例SLE患者的血清BlyS水平为(8.4±1.6)ng/m l,40名正常人的血清BlyS水平为(3.2±0.9)ng/m l,SLE组的BlyS血清水平明显高于正常人组(P<0.01);且伴随着血清BlyS水平的升高,SLE患者的血清IgG浓度明显升高(r=0.442,P=0.0005);SLE患者的BlyS血清水平与抗dsD NA抗体的滴度也有明显的相关性(r=0.850,P<0.01)。结论本研究所建立的BlyS血清水平ELISA检测方法简便、可靠、准确,为后续研究BlyS与其他自身免疫性疾病的关系奠定了基础。SLE患者的血清BlyS含量是明显升高的,并伴随着血清IgG浓度、抗dsD NA抗体滴度的升高;提示Blys异常表达可能是SLE发病的重要环节,其对自身反应性B细胞的活化、促进特     

B lymphocyte stimulator overexpression in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: longitudinal observations

OBJECTIVE: To assess the overexpression of B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) over time in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Sixty-eight SLE patients were followed up longitudinally for a median 369 days. At each physician encounter, disease activity was assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, and blood was collected for determination of the serum BLyS level, blood BLyS messenger RNA (mRNA) level, and cell surface BLyS expression. Twenty normal control subjects underwent similar laboratory evaluations. RESULTS: In contrast to the uniformly normal serum BLyS and blood BLyS mRNA phenotypes in control subjects, SLE patients displayed marked heterogeneity, with 50% and 61% of patients manifesting persistently or intermittently elevated serum BLyS and blood BLyS mRNA phenotypes, respectively. Surface BLyS expression by SLE peripheral blood mononuclear cells was also often increased. Treatment of patients who had elevated serum BLyS levels with intensive courses of high-dose corticosteroids resulted in marked reductions in serum BLyS levels, and tapering of the corticosteroid dosage often resulted in increases in serum BLyS levels. Serum BLyS levels generally correlated with anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) titers (in those with detectable anti-dsDNA titers), but changes in serum BLyS levels did not correlate with changes in disease activity in individual patients. Serum BLyS phenotype did not associate with specific organ system involvement. CONCLUSION: Dysregulation of BLyS over extended periods of time is common in patients with SLE. Neutralization of BLyS activity with an appropriate BLyS antagonist may be therapeutically beneficial.     

B lymphocyte stimulator protein levels in systemic lupus erythematosus and other diseases

The size of the known members of the tumor necrosis factor ligand and receptor superfamilies has burgeoned in the past few years. Among the novel tumor necrosis factor ligand and receptor superfamily members recently described is B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS; Human Genome Sciences, Rockville, MD) protein. By virtue of its ability to promote B-cell survival, expansion, and differentiation, it likely plays an important contributory role in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis and propagation. In addition, it may play a similar role in other systemic immune-based rheumatic diseases, and becomes a legitimate candidate target for antagonist biologic agents.     

系统性红斑狼疮患者血清中B淋巴细胞刺激因子的检测

目的检测系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)患者血清B淋巴细胞刺激因子(BLyS)水平,并探讨其在SLE发病中的意义。方法采用双抗体夹心酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法检测血清BLyS水平。结果①SLE患者血清BLyS[(9.6±2.3)ng/ml]显著高于正常人对照组[(4.0±1.5)ng/ml]。②SLE患者中,血清BLyS水平活动组[(11.1±2.2)ng/ml]高于非活动组[(8.1±1.2)ng/ml],抗dsDNA抗体阳性组[(10.9±2.2)ng/ml]高于抗dsDNA抗体阴性组[(8.1±1.4)ng/ml],高IgG组[(10.8±2.4)ng/ml]高于非高IgG组[(8.3±1.3)ng/ml],低C3组[(10.2±2.5)ng/ml]高于非低C3组[(8.3±1.3)ng/ml],低C4组[(10.1±2.3)ng/ml]高于非低C4组[(7.6±0.7)ng/ml],低血小板计数组[(10.7±2.7)ng/ml]高于非低血小板计数组[(8.8±1.7)ng/ml]。③SLE患者血清BLyS水平与SLE疾病活动指数(SLEDAI)(r=0.56,t=15.89,P<0.01)、IgG(r=0.33,t=4.20,P<0.05)呈正相关;与C4(r=-0.47,t=10.04,P<0.01)、血小板计数(r=-0.53,t=13.85,P<0.01)呈负相关。结论BLyS可能参与SLE的发病。     

人重组B细胞刺激因子对系统性红斑狼疮外周血B细胞功能的影响

目的 探讨人重组B细胞刺激因子(rhBlys)对系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)患者外周血B细胞增殖和分泌功能的影响. 方法 分离22例SLE患者和20名健康志愿者的外周血细胞,分为3组:rhBlys 加抗IgM抗体组、抗IgM抗体组和培养基组.培养72 h收集B细胞及培养上清.MTT法检测B细胞增殖,ELISA法检测培养上清IgG、IgM和抗ds-DNA抗体浓度. 结果 ①SLE患者外周血B细胞在rhBlys与抗IgM抗体的协同作用下,增殖显著增强(0.36±0.15对比0.21±0.05,P＜0.01),强于单用抗IgM抗体组(0.36±0.15对比0.24±0.08,P＜0.05);②SLE患者外周血B细胞在rhBlys与抗IgM抗体的协同作用下,IgG、IgM和抗ds-DNA抗体分泌显著增强,强于培养基组(1 207.04±200.84对比801.16±116.22,P＜0.01;375.11±78.20对比208.15±47.96,P＜0.01;159.27±42.65对比102.21±32.54,P＜0.01);也强于单用抗IgM抗体组(1 207.04±200.84对比926.54±134.64,P＜0.05;375.11±78.20对比236.50±53.72,P＜0.05;159.27±42.65对比114.16±33.25,P＜0.05);③SLE患者B细胞的增殖和培养上清IgG、IgM和抗ds-DNA抗体的分泌均高于健康对照者. 结论 本实验结果进一步证实Blys是B细胞强共刺激剂,Blys与抗IgM抗体对B细胞的增殖和分泌功能有协同增强的作用.SLE患者与健康对照相比可能存在B细胞数量上的异常或本身免疫耐受的缺陷.这为干预Blys在SLE患者B细胞增殖和分泌功能中的作用,寻找新的治疗方法提供了依据.     

Macrophage activation syndrome in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a hyper-inflammatory disorder secondary to a rheumatic disease such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to present the characteristics of our pediatric MAS patients. Clinical features, laboratory parameters, treatment, and outcome of 34 patients (28 SJIA; six SLE; 37 MAS episodes) followed at a tertiary health center between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The median age at MAS onset was 11 years. More SJIA patients had MAS at disease onset than SLE patients (53.6 vs. 16.7 %). Fever, high C-reactive protein and hyperferritinemia were present in all MAS episodes. Rash was less (p = 0.03), and fatigue was more frequent (p = 0.042) in SLE than SJIA patients. All received corticosteroids. Cyclosporine was given in 74.2 % of SJIA-MAS; 66.7 % of SLE-MAS episodes. Intravenous immunoglobulin, anakinra, or etoposide was administered during 67.7; 41.9; 32.3 % of SJIA-MAS and 33.3; 33.3; 50 % of SLE-MAS episodes, respectively. Plasmapheresis was performed during 41.9 % of SJIA-MAS and 33.3 % of SLE-MAS episodes. The mortality rate was 11.8 % (n = 4;3 SJIA, 1 SLE). Hepatosplenomegaly was more frequent (p = 0.005), and plasmapheresis was performed more frequently (p = 0.021) in the patients who died compared to the cured patients. The median duration between symptom onset and admission to our hospital was longer among the patients who died (16.5 vs. 7 days; p = 0.049). Our patients’ characteristics were similar to the reported cases, but our mortality rate is slightly higher probably due to late referral to our center. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial to prevent mortality.     

Overlapping juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report

Hereby, we report the case of a 12-year-old girl developing oligoarthritis and progressing into a polyarticular form. Rheumatoid factor was positive, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was diagnosed. After a poor response to DMARDs, an anti-TNF agent (infliximab) was initiated, but to be discontinued due to an allergic reaction. The same complication was observed with the fully human derivative, adalimumab. At the age of 22, the patient presented septicemia with severe anemia and subsequent development of leukopenia, myocarditis with heart failure, and ANA, aSm, aSS-A, aCL positives, and nephrotic syndrome. These new clinical manifestations fulfilled the classification criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Due to the poor therapeutic responses for both diseases, alternative medical options have to be considered, such as targeted therapy with anti-CD20 or interleukin-6 receptor antagonist monoclonal antibodies. This patient may also be a candidate for autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation.     

Association of plasma B lymphocyte stimulator levels and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of plasma B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) levels, immunosuppressive therapy, and other clinical parameters with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Two hundred forty-five SLE patients were evaluated prospectively over a 2-year period at 4 centers. Assessments were performed every 3-6 months. Univariate analysis was used to determine the association among the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus: National Assessment (SELENA) version of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, serum anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), and plasma BLyS levels. A multivariate repeated-measures model incorporating immunosuppressive therapy was utilized. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of the patients were female. Sixty-seven percent were white, 31% African American, and 2% Asian (all of these groups may include Hispanic). Mean values at baseline were as follows: age 41.5 years, disease duration 8.1 years, SELENA-SLEDAI 3.3 (median 2, range 0-18), BLyS 5.57 ng/ml, IgG 1,439 mg/dl, C3 104.4 mg/dl, and C4 21.3 mg/dl; among those positive for anti-dsDNA, the median titer was 1:40 (range 1:10-1:1,280). Univariate analysis showed that plasma BLyS levels were associated with anti-dsDNA titers (P = 0.0465) and SELENA-SLEDAI scores (P = 0.0002). In multivariate analyses, a greater increase in the SELENA-SLEDAI score from the previous visit was associated with higher BLyS levels at the previous visit (P = 0.0042) and with a greater increase in the BLyS level from the previous visit (P = 0.0007). CONCLUSION: The findings of association between a greater increase in the BLyS level from the previous visit and a greater increase in the SELENA-SLEDAI score at the subsequent visit, and between an elevated BLyS level at the previous visit and a greater SELENA-SLEDAI score at the subsequent visit, demonstrate a relationship between circulating BLyS levels and SLE disease activity. These results lend support to the notion that BLyS is a candidate for therapeutic targeting in SLE.     

Serum BLyS and APRIL as possible indicators of disease activity in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Aim of the workTo assess serum levels of B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) to determine their correlations with disease activity in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients.Patients and methodsTwenty-nine pSLE patients and 33 JIA patients were recruited. SLE disease activity was assessed using the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI), while the juvenile arthritis 27 joint disease activity score (JADAS-27) was calculated for JIA patients. Serum samples were assayed for BLyS and APRIL by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsSerum BLyS and APRIL were elevated in both pSLE and JIA patients compared to controls. Serum BLyS levels correlated with both SLE and JIA disease activity (p = 0.042, p = 0.019, respectively) whereas serum APRIL levels correlated positively with JADAS-27 and inversely with SLEDAI (p = 0.001, p = 0.02, respectively). Elevated serum BLyS and APRIL were significantly associated with a lower incidence of nephritis (p = 0.043, p = 0.016, respectively), while elevated serum APRIL significantly associated with negative anti-dsDNA in pSLE patients (p = 0.017). In JIA patients, both serum BLyS and APRIL were significantly associated with the presence of ANA (p = 0.008, p < 0.001, respectively), while high serum APRIL associated with the presence of RF (p = 0.035). APRIL and BLYS levels correlated with each other positively in JIA but inversely in pSLE patients.ConclusionSerum BLyS showed elevated levels that correlated significantly with pSLE and JIA disease activity, accordingly anti-BLyS therapy might be of great benefit to offset disease flare. The inverse correlations observed between APRIL with both BLyS and disease activity in pSLE patients raises the possibility of being a down regulator of the disease process.     

Macrophage activation syndrome in children with systemic lupus erythematosus and children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objective

To describe patient demographics, interventions, and outcomes in hospitalized children with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) complicating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using data recorded in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database from October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2010. Participants had International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes for MAS and either SLE or JIA. The primary outcome was hospital mortality (for the index admission). Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) admission, critical care interventions, and medication use.

Results

A total of 121 children at 28 children's hospitals met the inclusion criteria, including 19 children with SLE and 102 children with JIA. The index admission mortality rate was 7% (8 of 121 patients). ICU admission (33%), mechanical ventilation (26%), and inotrope/vasopressor therapy (26%) were common. Compared to children with JIA, those with SLE had a similar mortality rate (6% versus 11%, respectively; exact P = 0.6). More patients with SLE than those with JIA received ICU care (63% versus 27%; P = 0.002), received mechanical ventilation (53% versus 21%; P = 0.003), and had cardiovascular dysfunction (47% versus 23% received inotrope/vasopressor therapy; P = 0.02). Children with SLE and those with JIA received cyclosporine at similar rates, but more children with SLE received cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil, and more children with JIA received interleukin‐1 antagonists.

Conclusion

Organ system dysfunction is common in children with rheumatic diseases complicated by MAS, and more organ system support is required in children with underlying SLE than in children with JIA. Current treatment of pediatric MAS varies based on the underlying rheumatic disease.

     

Antinucleosome antibodies in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

Our objective was to evaluate the frequency of antinucleosome antibodies (anti-Ncs) in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) comparing it to that observed for anti-DNA and to correlate the presence of these antibodies with clinical manifestations and disease activity. Anti-Ncs and anti-DNA were detected by ELISA in 74 patients with JSLE and 64 normal controls. Clinical records were reviewed. Disease activity was assessed by SLEDAI score. Anti-Ncs and anti-DNA showed sensitivity of 52.7% and 54% and specificity of 98.4% and 95.3%, respectively. Disagreement between the two assays was found in 25.7% of the cases: isolated positive Anti-Ncs in nine cases (12.2%) and isolated positive anti-DNA in 10 cases (13.5%). Agreement was found in 74.3%: both positive antibodies in 30 cases and both negative in 25. The presence of anti-Ncs was significantly associated with malar erythema, hemolytic anemia, anti-DNA and low complement levels, but not with renal manifestations. The presence of anti-Ncs was associated with a higher SLEDAI median (P < 0.001) and its titers correlated with the SLEDAI score (r = 0.504; P < 0.001). The frequency, sensitivity and specificity values were similar between anti-Ncs and anti-DNA antibodies in patients with JSLE. Nevertheless, the discordance of 25.7% between the two assays suggests that both antibodies may have a complementary diagnostic role. The association and correlation between anti-Ncs and several disease activity parameters demonstrated its usufulness in the follow-up of these patients.     

Dyslipoproteinemia in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are at increased risk for premature atherosclerosis. We examined one possible etiologic factor, dyslipoproteinemia, both before and after corticosteroid therapy. We identified 2 distinct patterns of dyslipoproteinemia. One is attributable to active disease; the other is attributable, in part, to corticosteroid therapy. The dyslipoproteinemia of active disease consists of depressed high density lipoprotein cholesterol and apoprotein A-I with elevated very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride, while the dyslipoproteinemia after corticosteroid therapy consists of increased total cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride. The possible pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for these patterns, as well as the possible roles in premature atherosclerosis seen in systemic lupus erythematosus patients, are discussed.     

Etanercept in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of etanercept in patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) refractory to methotrexate (MTX) therapy in a pediatric rheumatology practice. METHODS: Fifteen patients with SJIA with active polyarthritis refractory to higher dose MTX (> or = 20 mg/m2/week) for at least 3 months were included. Patients received etanercept 0.4 mg/Kg twice weekly concomitantly with MTX. Observed period of treatment ranged from 5 to 12 months (median 9 months). RESULTS: Improvement of ESR, swollen and limited joint counts, functional capacity, and general wellbeing was achieved by 14/15 patients. The most significant impact on these variables was observed 3 to 5 months after treatment onset. Mean time to improvement was 2 months. In the 4 patients who presented fever and rash, these signs disappeared after the beginning of etanercept treatment and reappeared during flares. Three patients showed sustained clinical and biochemical remission on low dose MTX (< or = 5 mg/m2/week). Thirteen relapses were observed in 9 (60%) patients at a mean of 7.6 months after therapy was begun. Etanercept was discontinued due to lack of efficacy in 7 patients, only after higher dose (1 mg/kg/dose) was used. MTX and corticosteroid doses were decreased during the observation period. No serious side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Etanercept, in combination with MTX, demonstrated benefit soon after initiation of treatment in patients with refractory SJIA, but flares and progressive loss of effectiveness were observed with continued treatment in most patients. Sharp decreases in the dose of MTX and corticosteroids may have contributed to subsequent occurrence of flares. Changes in MTX and corticosteroids doses should probably need to be made gradually, and it is possible that patients on SJIA should continue on therapeutic doses of MTX while being on etanercept in order to maintain therapeutic benefit.