Expression of BAFF, APRIL, and Cognate Receptor Genes in Lupus Nephritis and Potential Use As Urinary Biomarkers

Overview

Journal J Transl Autoimmun

Date 2020 Aug 4

PMID 32743512

Citations 10

Authors

David Aguirre-Valencia

Lady J Rios-Serna

Ivan Posso-Osorio

Juan Naranjo-Escobar

Daniel Lopez

Vanessa Bedoya-Joaqui

Ivana Nieto-Aristizabal

Andres M Castro

Lorena Diaz-Ordonez

Erika P Navarro

Maria Claudia Barrera

Alex Echeverri

Carlos A Canas

Gabriel J Tobon

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: B-cell activating factor (BAFF), a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), and their receptors BAFF-R, BCMA, and TACI are crucial factors for the survival of B lymphocytes. Recent evidence has also demonstrated the importance of BAFF/APRIL signaling in lupus nephritis (LN). This study evaluated the relationships between LN clinical characteristics and the urinary expression levels of BAFF, APRIL, and cognate receptors to assess their potential value as disease biomarkers.

Methods: Expression levels of these genes were assessed in urine samples collected from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients before renal biopsy using reverse transcription real-time PCR.

Results: Thirty-five patients with LN were included. Most of the patients were female (82.86%) with median Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) of 15. BAFF mRNA was detectable in 28.57%, APRIL mRNA in 42.85%, BR3 mRNA in 48.57%, and TACI mRNA in 42.85% of urine samples. On the other hand, urinary (u)BCMA mRNA was not found in any sample. Urinary expression of most biomarkers was detected with greater frequency in class III and IV LN compared to class V LN. The expression level of uBR3 mRNA was correlated with SLEDAI-2K and histological activity index.

Conclusion: Urinary expression of BAFF/APRIL signaling factors, especially TACI, APRIL, and BR3 mRNAs, may be useful biomarkers for LN.

Citing Articles

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Association between levels of serum and urinary B cell-activating factor and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity.

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