title: Effects of mycophenolate mofetil on cutaneous lupus erythematosus in (NZB × NZW) F1 mice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Few studies have evaluated the effects and precise molecular mechanism of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the treatment of human cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Our findings shed light on the therapeutic effects of MMF in a UVB-induced NZB × NZW (NZBW) F1 CLE mouse model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Continuous MMF treatment (60 mg/kg/day) was administered up to Day 50 from the beginning of UVB induction (Day 0; 20 weeks old), as the pathologic features of CLE are present after 50 days. The therapeutic effects of MMF treatment in NZBW lupus mice were examined by comparing histopathological changes, lupus band test (deposition of immune complexes at the dermal-epidermal junction) and colocalization of autoantibodies with a dermal autoantigen Dsg3, and by evaluating the associations of local matrix metalloprotease activities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MMF improved survival in the NZBW lupus mice from 35.7% to 81.8%. The proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, and interleukin 6 levels were significantly reduced after MMF treatment. The dermal lymphocytic infiltration, deposition of immune complexes at the dermal-epidermal junction, colocalized autoantibodies with Dsg3, and epidermal matrix metalloprotease activity were also attenuated in MMF-treated NZBW F1 mice.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results confirmed that MMF could substantially attenuate skin damage due to CLE in the NZBW F1 mouse model.
authors: Department of Medical Education and Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
authors: Yen-Feng
authors: YF
authors: Lee
authors: Ching-Chang
authors: CC
authors: Cheng
authors: Joung-Liang
authors: JL
authors: Lan
authors: Tsu-Yi
authors: TY
authors: Hsieh
authors: Nai-Nu
authors: NN
authors: Lin
authors: Hui-Ying
authors: HY
authors: Lin
authors: Yung-Tsung
authors: YT
authors: Chiu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000032:analysis; D005780:Gelatin / Q000378:metabolism; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000032:analysis; D051379:Mice; D008814:Mice, Inbred NZB; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012867:Skin / Q000201:enzymology
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D005780:Gelatin; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid
keywords: cutaneous lupus erythematosus; mouse model; mycophenolate mofetil