Detection of Lupus-Associated Kidney Disease

High urinary levels of certain molecules might serve as biomarkers for a potentially life-shortening kidney ailment caused by the autoimmune disease lupus.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's cells and tissues. In a normal immune system, foreign intruders are recognized by special immune cells that produce antibodies. In patients with lupus, however, the antibodies created start to attack the body itself. When the antibodies attack the kidneys, nephritis occurs, often shortening a patient's life expectancy. The most reliable method currently available for monitoring renal disease in lupus patients is to measure the level of protein excreted in urine.

Dr. Chandra Mohan, professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas TX, USA) and colleagues screened urine from mice with lupus nephritis for the presence of four compounds--VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1), P-selection, TNFR-1, and CXCL 16. Previous research had suggested that these molecules are elevated in animal models of antibody-mediated nephritis. The team determined that the mice harbored increased levels of all four molecules in the urine, particularly at the peak of their lupus-associated kidney disease.

Dr. Mohan said, "Our studies suggest a quartet of molecules may have potential diagnostic significance. Given that early intervention in lupus nephritis is associated with better treatment outcome, it is imperative that disease activity in the kidney be diagnosed as early as possible.”

Further studies are in progress to ascertain if checking these molecule levels might be more effective than monitoring protein levels to predict kidney disease in lupus patients. "The ability to detect these molecules in urine could potentially have tremendous impact on clinical diagnostics. Not only is urine a convenient body fluid to procure; in some clinical settings it may be the only fluid available,” Dr Mohan added.


Related Links:
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center