B lymphocyte stimulator expression in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the expression of B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) in patients with pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).


METHODS
Blood samples collected from patients with pediatric SLE (n = 56) and patients with JIA (n = 54) at the beginning and end of a 6-month interval were analyzed for plasma BLyS protein levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for blood leukocyte full-length BLyS and DeltaBLyS messenger RNA (mRNA) levels by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (normalized to 18S expression). Healthy siblings (n = 34) of these patients served as controls.


RESULTS
In pediatric SLE, plasma BLyS protein and blood leukocyte BLyS mRNA levels were each significantly elevated, and plasma BLyS protein levels, but not blood leukocyte BLyS mRNA levels, were correlated with disease activity. In contrast, plasma BLyS protein levels were normal in JIA despite blood leukocyte BLyS mRNA levels being elevated to degrees similar to those in pediatric SLE. Among JIA patients, neither BLyS parameter was correlated with disease activity. In both pediatric SLE and JIA, the BLyS expression profiles remained stable at 6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that, as previously noted in adult SLE, plasma BLyS protein and blood leukocyte BLyS mRNA levels are elevated in pediatric SLE. The correlation of plasma BLyS protein levels with disease activity points to BLyS as a candidate therapeutic target in pediatric SLE. Contrary to previous observations in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, plasma BLyS protein levels are normal in JIA despite elevated blood leukocyte BLyS mRNA levels. The absence of correlation between either of the BLyS parameters and disease activity in JIA calls for circumspection prior to assigning BLyS as a candidate therapeutic target in this disorder.
Hong
Sandy D
SD
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. sandy-hong@uiowa.edu
Reiff
Andreas
A
Yang
Hai-Tao
HT
Migone
Thi-Sau
TS
Ward
Christopher D
CD
Marzan
Katherine
K
Shaham
Bracha
B
Phei
Wee Choo
WC
Garza
Judith
J
Bernstein
Bram
B
Stohl
William
W
D000293:Adolescent; D001171:Arthritis, Juvenile / Q000097:blood*; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor / Q000097:blood*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000097:blood; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; D012333:RNA, Messenger