Elevated serum anti-endothelial cell autoantibodies titer is associated with lupus nephritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
OBJECTIVE
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease associated with endothelial dysfunction and the existence of multiple species of autoantibodies. However, the association between endothelial dysfunction and renal manifestations remains unclear in Taiwanese SLE patients.


METHODS
Serum samples were collected from SLE patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis (n = 32), stable SLE patients (n = 32) and healthy controls (n = 32). The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) of SLE patients was scored, and levels of anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) and anti-endothelial activities in serum samples were measured by cell-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and crystal violet assay, respectively, using cultured human endothelial EA.hy926 cells.


RESULTS
Significantly higher AECA (p<0.001) and anti-endothelial activities (p<0.001) were found in sera from patients with lupus nephritis compared with that from stable SLE patients or controls. Moreover, AECA titers (p<0.001) and anti-endothelial activities (p<0.001) were strongly correlated with SLEDAI scores in these patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The strong correlations of AECA and anti-endothelial activity with lupus nephritis activity support an endothelial origin for renal complications in Taiwanese SLE patients.
Tseng
Jui Cheng
JC
Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Lu
Ling Ying
LY
Hu
Rieh Jien
RJ
Kau
Chien Kai
CK
Cheng
He Hsiung
HH
Lin
Pey Ru
PR
Sun
Chien Wen
CW
Liang
Hui Ting
HT
Lam
Hing Chung
HC
Tai
Ming Hong
MH
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001706:Biopsy; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male
D001323:Autoantibodies; D015415:Biomarkers; C087589:anti-endothelial cell antibody