Anti-dsDNA, anti-nucleosome, anti-C1q, and anti-histone antibodies as markers of active lupus nephritis and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity

Abstract

Introduction: Previous studies of anti-dsDNA, nucleosome (Nucl), histone (His), and C1q antibodies have revealed their clinical value in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the correlation between four autoantibodies and SLE activity, lupus nephritis (LN) remains controversial, and data are insufficient on longitudinal monitoring. This study aimed at evaluating the value of these autoantibodies in active LN, and their performance on cross-sectional evaluating and longitudinal monitoring of SLE disease activity. Methods: Serum levels of four autoantibodies in 114 SLE patients, 219 other autoimmune disease patients (OAD), and 59 healthy controls were assayed by a quantitative immunoassay. Sera of 38 inpatients were obtained again after treatment. Results: We found that serum levels of four autoantibodies were significantly higher in SLE than OAD patients (p < 001), active LN than non-renal SLE patients (p .05). Conclusions: Anti-C1q, anti-dsDNA, anti-Nucl, and anti-His perform well in diagnosing active LN and monitoring SLE disease activity. They could be indicators of active LN and SLE disease activity.