B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) isoforms in systemic lupus erythematosus: disease activity correlates better with blood leukocyte BLyS mRNA levels than with plasma BLyS protein levels

摘要: Considerable evidence points to a role for B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) overproduction in murine and human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nevertheless, the correlation between circulating levels of BLyS protein disease activity SLE is modest at best. This may be due an inadequacy former reflect endogenous faithfully, that steady-state are affected not just by production rates but also peripheral utilization excretion. Increased mRNA better increased vivo production, therefore they correlate with biologic clinical sequelae overexpression than do protein. Accordingly, we assessed blood leukocyte isoforms (full-length ΔBLyS) plasma patients SLE, correlated these laboratory features. protein, full-length mRNA, ΔBLyS were greater (n = 60) rheumatoid arthritis or normal control individuals 30). Although significantly cohort, more closely associated serum immunoglobulin Disease Activity Index scores levels. Moreover, changes among 37 from whom repeat samples obtained. Thus, elevated helpful biomarker monitoring patients.