title: Urinary CD8+ T-cell counts discriminate between active and inactive lupus nephritis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe and frequent manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Early detection of initial renal manifestations and relapses during follow-up is pivotal to prevent loss of renal function. Apart from renal biopsies, current urinary and serological diagnostic tests fail to accurately demonstrate the presence of active LN. Previously, we demonstrated that effector memory T-cells (CD45RO+CCR7-;TEM) migrate into the urine during active LN. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of urinary T-cells in comparison with traditional markers of active LN.
  
  
  METHODS
  T-cells in the urine during active LN and remission were investigated. Twenty-two, in most cases biopsy-proven, active LN patients and 24 SLE patients without active LN were enrolled and serial measurements were performed in 16 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis of the urinary sediment in active renal disease showed an increased number of CD8+ T-cells and absence of these cells during remission. Enumerating T-cell counts in LN patients with a history of renal involvement was a superior marker of active LN in comparison to traditional markers, such as proteinuria and s-creatinine.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, urinary T-cells, in particular CD8+ T cells, are a promising marker to assess renal activity in LN patients, in particular in those with prior renal involvement.
authors: Sebastian
authors: S
authors: Dolff
authors: Wayel H
authors: WH
authors: Abdulahad
authors: Suzanne
authors: S
authors: Arends
authors: Marcory C R F
authors: MC
authors: van Dijk
authors: Pieter C
authors: PC
authors: Limburg
authors: Cees G M
authors: CG
authors: Kallenberg
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Bijl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000652:urine*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000652:urine*; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers