B-cell-attracting chemokine CXCL13 as a marker of disease activity and renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Schiffer L, Kuempers P, Davalos-Misslitz AM, Haubitz M, Haller H, Anders HJ, Witte T, Schiffer M (2009)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2009

Journal

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy B

Book Volume: 24

Pages Range: 3708-3712

Journal Issue: 12

DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfp343

Abstract

Objectives. The chemokine CXCL13, also known as BCA-1 (B-cell-attracting chemokine-1) or BLC (B-lymphocyte chemoattractant), is a major regulator of B-cell trafficking. We have recently shown that excessive expression of dendritic cell-derived CXCL13 is a distinctive early event for nephritis in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Furthermore, in kidney biopsies from SLE patients, CXCL13 protein and mRNA are strongly expressed in B-cell-containing inflammatory lesions. Here, we ask whether serum levels of CXCL13 correlate with disease activity and renal involvement in SLE patients.Methods. CXCL13 was measured in sera obtained from 91 patients with SLE and 40 healthy controls by ELISA methodology. Disease activity was calculated according to the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).Results. Median (IQR) serum CXCL13 concentrations were increasingly higher across the following groups: healthy controls 31.6 (26.8-41.3) pgml, SLE patients with inactive disease (SLEDAI <6) 68.2 (27.8-133.0) pgml, P = 0.0006 versus controls and active disease 196.0 (75.9-416.8) pgml, P = 0.0001 versus controls (inactive versus active P < 0.0001). Concentrations of circulating CXCL13 correlated with SLEDAI (r = 0.56, P < 0.0001) and double-stranded DNA titres (r = 0.36, P < 0.0005). Moreover, median CXCL13 concentrations were higher in patients with renal involvement 175.5 (105.3-422.6) pgml compared to those without renal involvement 82.1 (42.9-219.8) pgml.Conclusions. Our data indicate that increased level of CXCL13 is a feature of SLE that correlates with disease activity. Furthermore, CXCL13 might be a readily available surrogate marker to monitor the extent of aberrant B-cell (dys-)function.

Involved external institutions

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) DE Germany (DE) Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH) / Hannover Medical School DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Schiffer, L., Kuempers, P., Davalos-Misslitz, A.M., Haubitz, M., Haller, H., Anders, H.-J.,... Schiffer, M. (2009). B-cell-attracting chemokine CXCL13 as a marker of disease activity and renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 24(12), 3708-3712. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfp343

MLA:

Schiffer, Lena, et al. "B-cell-attracting chemokine CXCL13 as a marker of disease activity and renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)." Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 24.12 (2009): 3708-3712.

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