scholarly journals Proportions of B-cell subsets are altered in incomplete systemic lupus erythematosus and correlate with interferon score and IgG levels

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (9) ◽  
pp. 2616-2624
Author(s):  
Svenja Henning ◽  
Wietske M Lambers ◽  
Berber Doornbos-van der Meer ◽  
Wayel H Abdulahad ◽  
Frans G M Kroese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Cell Subset ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Type I ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
B Cell Subsets

Abstract Objectives Incomplete SLE (iSLE) patients display symptoms typical for SLE but have insufficient criteria to fulfil the diagnosis. Biomarkers are needed to identify iSLE patients that will progress to SLE. IFN type I activation, B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) and B-cell subset distortions play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether B-cell subsets are altered in iSLE patients, and whether these alterations correlate with IFN scores and BAFF levels. Methods iSLE patients (n = 34), SLE patients (n = 41) with quiescent disease (SLEDAI ≤4) and healthy controls (n = 22) were included. Proportions of B-cell subsets were measured with flow cytometry, IFN scores with RT-PCR and BAFF levels with ELISA. Results Proportions of age-associated B-cells were elevated in iSLE patients compared with healthy controls and correlated with IgG levels. In iSLE patients, IFN scores and BAFF levels were significantly increased compared with healthy controls. Also, IFN scores correlated with proportions of switched memory B-cells, plasma cells and IgG levels, and correlated negatively with complement levels in iSLE patients. Conclusion In this cross-sectional study, distortions in B-cell subsets were observed in iSLE patients and were correlated with IFN scores and IgG levels. Since these factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE, iSLE patients with these distortions, high IFN scores, and high levels of IgG and BAFF may be at risk for progression to SLE.

scholarly journals Interferon α Enhances B Cell Activation Associated With FOXM1 Induction: Potential Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Targeting the Plasmablasts of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanae Akita ◽  
Ken Yasaka ◽  
Tsuyoshi Shirai ◽  
Tomonori Ishii ◽  
Hideo Harigae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Type I ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
B Cell Activation ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
B Cell Subsets ◽  
Novel Therapeutic

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. It is characterized by the production of various pathogenic autoantibodies and is suggested to be triggered by increased type I interferon (IFN) signature. Previous studies have identified increased plasmablasts in the peripheral blood of SLE patients. The biological characteristics of SLE plasmablasts remain unknown, and few treatments that target SLE plasmablasts have been applied despite the unique cellular properties of plasmablasts compared with other B cell subsets and plasma cells. We conducted microarray analysis of naïve and memory B cells and plasmablasts (CD38+CD43+ B cells) that were freshly isolated from healthy controls and active SLE (n = 4, each) to clarify the unique biological properties of SLE plasmablasts. The results revealed that all B cell subsets of SLE expressed more type I IFN-stimulated genes. In addition, SLE plasmablasts upregulated the expression of cell cycle-related genes associated with higher FOXM1 and FOXM1-regulated gene expression levels than that in healthy controls. This suggests that a causative relationship exists between type I IFN priming and enhanced proliferative capacity through FOXM1. The effects of pretreatment of IFNα on B cell activation and FOXM1 inhibitor FDI-6 on B cell proliferation and survival were investigated. Pretreatment with IFNα promoted B cell activation after stimulation with anti-IgG/IgM antibody. Flow cytometry revealed that pretreatment with IFNα preferentially enhanced the Atk and p38 pathways after triggering B cell receptors. FDI-6 inhibited cell division and induced apoptosis in activated B cells. These effects were pronounced in activated B cells pretreated with interferon α. This study can provide better understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of interferon-stimulated genes on SLE B cells and an insight into the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

scholarly journals OP0005 ELEVATED STAT1 EXPRESSION BUT NOT PHOSPHORYLATION IN LUPUS B CELLS CORRELATES WITH DISEASE ACTIVITY AND INCREASED PLASMABLAST SUSCEPTIBILITY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 4-5
Author(s):  
A. Aue ◽  
F. Szelinski ◽  
S. Weißenberg ◽  
A. Wiedemann ◽  
T. Rose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type I Ifn ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
B Cell Subsets

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by two pathogenic key signatures, type I interferon (IFN) (1.) and B-cell abnormalities (2.). How these signatures are interrelated is not known. Type I-II IFN trigger activation of Janus kinase (JAK) – signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT).Objectives:JAK-STAT inhibition is an attractive therapeutic possibility for SLE (3.). We assess STAT1 and STAT3 expression and phosphorylation at baseline and after IFN type I and II stimulation in B-cell subpopulations of SLE patients compared to other autoimmune diseases and healthy controls (HD) and related it to disease activity.Methods:Expression of STAT1, pSTAT1, STAT3 and pSTAT3 in B and T-cells of 21 HD, 10 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 7 primary Sjögren’s (pSS) and 22 SLE patients was analyzed by flow cytometry. STAT1 and STAT3 expression and phosphorylation in PBMCs of SLE patients and HD after IFNα and IFNγ incubation were further investigated.Results:SLE patients showed substantially higher STAT1 but not pSTAT1 in B and T-cell subsets. Increased STAT1 expression in B cell subsets correlated significantly with SLEDAI and Siglec-1 on monocytes, a type I IFN marker (4.). STAT1 activation in plasmablasts was IFNα dependent while monocytes exhibited dependence on IFNγ.Figure 1.Significantly increased expression of STAT1 by SLE B cells(A) Representative histograms of baseline expression of STAT1, pSTAT1, STAT3 and pSTAT3 in CD19+ B cells of SLE patients (orange), HD (black) and isotype controls (grey). (B) Baseline expression of STAT1 and pSTAT1 or (C) STAT3 and pSTAT3 in CD20+CD27-, CD20+CD27+ and CD20lowCD27high B-lineage cells from SLE (orange) patients compared to those from HD (black). Mann Whitney test; ****p≤0.0001.Figure 2.Correlation of STAT1 expression by SLE B cells correlates with type I IFN signature (Siglec-1, CD169) and clinical activity (SLEDAI).Correlation of STAT1 expression in CD20+CD27- näive (p<0.0001, r=0.8766), CD20+CD27+ memory (p<0.0001, r=0.8556) and CD20lowCD27high (p<0.0001, r=0.9396) B cells from SLE patients with (A) Siglec-1 (CD169) expression on CD14+ cells as parameter of type I IFN signature and (B) lupus disease activity (SLEDAI score). Spearman rank coefficient (r) was calculated to identify correlations between these parameters. *p≤0.05, **p≤0.01. (C) STAT1 expression in B cell subsets of a previously undiagnosed, active SLE patient who was subsequently treated with two dosages of prednisolone and reanalyzed.Conclusion:Enhanced expression of STAT1 by B-cells candidates as key node of two immunopathogenic signatures (type I IFN and B-cells) related to important immunopathogenic pathways and lupus activity. We show that STAT1 is activated upon IFNα exposure in SLE plasmablasts. Thus, Jak inhibitors, targeting JAK-STAT pathways, hold promise to block STAT1 expression and control plasmablast induction in SLE.References:[1]Baechler EC, Batliwalla FM, Karypis G, Gaffney PM, Ortmann WA, Espe KJ, et al. Interferon-inducible gene expression signature in peripheral blood cells of patients with severe lupus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003;100(5):2610-5.[2]Lino AC, Dorner T, Bar-Or A, Fillatreau S. Cytokine-producing B cells: a translational view on their roles in human and mouse autoimmune diseases. Immunol Rev. 2016;269(1):130-44.[3]Dorner T, Lipsky PE. Beyond pan-B-cell-directed therapy - new avenues and insights into the pathogenesis of SLE. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2016;12(11):645-57.[4]Biesen R, Demir C, Barkhudarova F, Grun JR, Steinbrich-Zollner M, Backhaus M, et al. Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 1 expression in inflammatory and resident monocytes is a potential biomarker for monitoring disease activity and success of therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheum. 2008;58(4):1136-45.Disclosure of Interests:Arman Aue: None declared, Franziska Szelinski: None declared, Sarah Weißenberg: None declared, Annika Wiedemann: None declared, Thomas Rose: None declared, Andreia Lino: None declared, Thomas Dörner Grant/research support from: Janssen, Novartis, Roche, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Roche, Janssen, EMD, Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, Roche, Samsung, Janssen

scholarly journals Nailfold capillary abnormalities in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study compared with healthy controls

Lupus ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 818-827
Author(s):  
Dieneke Schonenberg-Meinema ◽  
Sandy C Bergkamp ◽  
Amara Nassar-Sheikh Rashid ◽  
Leontien B van der Aa ◽  
Godelieve J de Bree ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Ethnic Background ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Childhood Onset ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Scleroderma Pattern

Objectives For selection of high-risk systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients it is necessary to obtain indicators of disease severity that predict disease damage. As in systemic sclerosis, nailfold capillary abnormalities could be such a biomarker in SLE. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study is to describe capillary abnormalities in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) cohort (onset < 18 years) and compare them with matched healthy controls. The secondary objective is to correlate the observed capillary abnormalities with demographical variables in both cohorts and with disease-specific variables in cSLE patients. Methods Healthy controls were matched for ethnic background, age and gender. Videocapillaroscopy was performed in eight fingers with 2-4 images per finger. Quantitative and qualitative assessments of nailfold capillaroscopy images were performed according to the definitions of the EULAR study group on microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases. Results Both groups (n = 41 cSLE-patients and n = 41 healthy controls) were comparable for ethnic background (p = 0.317). Counted per mm, cSLE-patients showed significantly more ‘giants’ (p = 0.032), ‘abnormal capillary shapes’ (p = 0.003), ‘large capillary hemorrhages’ (p < 0.001) and ‘pericapillary extravasations’ (p < 0.001). Combined ‘abnormal capillary shapes and pericapillary extravasations’ (in the same finger) were detected in 78% (32/41 patients). By qualitative analysis, ‘microangiopathy’ was detected in 68.3% (28/41) and a ‘scleroderma pattern’ in 17.1% (7/41) of the cSLE-patients (without scleroderma symptoms). The difference of percentage positive anti-RNP antibodies in the group with or without a scleroderma pattern was not significant (p = 0.089). The number of ‘abnormal capillary shapes per mm’ was significantly correlated with treatment-naivety. The number of ‘large pathological hemorrhages per mm’ was significantly correlated with SLEDAI score and presence of nephritis. Compared to healthy controls, ‘pericapillary extravasations’ were found in significantly higher numbers per mm (p < 0.001) as well as in percentage of patients (p < 0.001). Conclusions Our observations confirm that giants, abnormal capillary morphology and capillary hemorrhages are also observed in cSLE, as was already known for adults with SLE. Number of capillary hemorrhages in cSLE was significantly correlated with disease activity. A high frequency and total amount of “pericapillary extravasations” was observed in cSLE patients, possibly revealing a new subtype of capillary hemorrhage that might reflect endothelial damage in these pediatric patients.

scholarly journals CD21lo/−CD27−IgM− Double-Negative B Cells Accumulate in the Joints of Patients With Antinuclear Antibody-Positive Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Dirks ◽  
Jonas Fischer ◽  
Gabriele Haase ◽  
Annette Holl-Wieden ◽  
Christine Hofmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Double Negative ◽  
B Cell Differentiation ◽  
B Cell Activation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
B Cell Subsets

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) encompasses a heterogeneous group of diseases. The appearance of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in almost half of the patients suggests B cell dysregulation as a distinct pathomechanism in these patients. Additionally, ANAs were considered potential biomarkers encompassing a clinically homogenous subgroup of JIA patients. However, in ANA+ JIA patients, the site of dysregulated B cell activation as well as the B cell subsets involved in this process is still unknown. Hence, in this cross-sectional study, we aimed in an explorative approach at characterizing potential divergences in B cell differentiation in ANA+ JIA patients by assessing the distribution of peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) B cell subpopulations using flow cytometry. The frequency of transitional as well as switched-memory B cells was higher in PB of JIA patients than in healthy controls. There were no differences in the distribution of B cell subsets between ANA- and ANA+ patients in PB. However, the composition of SF B cells was different between ANA- and ANA+ patients with increased frequencies of CD21lo/−CD27−IgM− “double negative” (DN) B cells in the latter. DN B cells might be a characteristic subset expanding in the joints of ANA+ JIA patients and are potentially involved in the antinuclear immune response in these patients. The results of our explorative study might foster further research dissecting the pathogenesis of ANA+ JIA patients.

scholarly journals Beyond Macrophages and T Cells: B Cells and Immunoglobulins Determine the Fate of the Atherosclerotic Plaque

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 4082 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harald Mangge ◽  
Florian Prüller ◽  
Wolfgang Schnedl ◽  
Wilfried Renner ◽  
Gunter Almer
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Cell Subset ◽  
Concomitant Disease ◽  
Metabolic Dysfunction ◽  
Clinical Endpoints ◽  
B Cell Subsets

Atherosclerosis (AS) leading to myocardial infarction and stroke remains worldwide the main cause for mortality. Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques are responsible for these life-threatening clinical endpoints. Atherosclerosis is a chronic, complex, inflammatory disease with interactions between metabolic dysfunction, dyslipidemia, disturbed microbiome, infectious triggers, vascular, and immune cells. Undoubtedly, the immune response is a most important piece of the pathological puzzle in AS. Although macrophages and T cells have been the focus of research in recent years, B cells producing antibodies and regulating T and natural killer (NKT) cell activation are more important than formerly thought. New results show that the B cells exert a prominent role with atherogenic and protective facets mediated by distinct B cell subsets and different immunoglobulin effects. These new insights come, amongst others, from observations of the effects of innovative B cell targeted therapies in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These diseases associate with AS, and the beneficial side effects of B cell subset depleting (modifying) therapies on atherosclerotic concomitant disease, have been observed. Moreover, the CANTOS study (NCT01327846) showed impressive results of immune-mediated inflammation as a new promising target of action for the fight against atherosclerotic endpoints. This review will reflect the putative role of B cells in AS in an attempt to connect observations from animal models with the small spectrum of the thus far available human data. We will also discuss the clinical therapeutic potency of B cell modulations on the process of AS.

scholarly journals Assessment of serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), adiponectin, and other adipokines as potential markers of proteinuria and renal dysfunction in lupus nephritis: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Ivan Gamez-Nava ◽  
Valeria Diaz-Rizo ◽  
Edsaul Emilio Perez-Guerrero ◽  
Jose Francisco Muñoz-Valle ◽  
Ana Miriam Saldaña-Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Lupus Nephritis ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Macrophage Migration ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background To date, the association of serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and serum adipokines with lupus nephritis is controversial. Objective To assess the utility of serum MIF, leptin, adiponectin and resistin levels as markers of proteinuria and renal dysfunction in lupus nephritis. Methods Cross-sectional study including 196 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and 52 healthy controls (HCs). Disease activity was assessed by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Renal SLE involvement was investigated by renal-SLEDAI. MIF, adiponectin, leptin and resistin levels were quantified by ELISA. We assessed the correlations of quantitative variables by Spearman correlation (rs). Multivariable linear regression adjusted the variables associated with the severity of proteinuria. Results SLE patients had higher MIF (p = 0.02) and adiponectin (p < 0.001) than HCs. Patients with renal SLE involvement (n = 43) had higher adiponectin (19.0 vs 13.3 μg/mL, p = 0.002) and resistin (10.7 vs 8.9 ng/mL, p = 0.01) than patients with non-renal SLE (n = 153). Proteinuria correlated with high adiponectin (rs = 0.19, p < 0.009) and resistin (rs = 0.26, p < 0.001). MIF (rs = 0.27, p = 0.04). Resistin correlated with increased creatinine (rs = 0.18, p = 0.02). High renal-SLEDAI correlated with adiponectin (rs = 0.21, p = 0.004). Multiple linear regression showed that elevated adiponectin (p = 0.02), younger age (p = 0.04) and low MIF (p = 0.02) were associated with the severity of proteinuria. Low MIF and high adiponectin levels interacted to explain the association with the severity of proteinuria (R2 = 0.41). Conclusions High adiponectin combined with low MIF concentrations int+eract to explain the severity of proteinuria in renal SLE. These findings highlight the relevance of adiponectin, resistin and MIF as markers of LN.

scholarly journals Hyper‐metabolic B cells in the spleens of old mice make antibodies with autoimmune specificities

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Frasca ◽  
Maria Romero ◽  
Denisse Garcia ◽  
Alain Diaz ◽  
Bonnie B. Blomberg
Keyword(s):  
B Cells ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Cell Subset ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Metabolic Phenotype ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Autoimmune Antibodies ◽  
B Cell Subsets ◽  
Old Mice

Abstract Background Aging is associated with increased intrinsic B cell inflammation, decreased protective antibody responses and increased autoimmune antibody responses. The effects of aging on the metabolic phenotype of B cells and on the metabolic programs that lead to the secretion of protective versus autoimmune antibodies are not known. Methods Splenic B cells and the major splenic B cell subsets, Follicular (FO) and Age-associated B cells (ABCs), were isolated from the spleens of young and old mice and left unstimulated. The RNA was collected to measure the expression of markers associated with intrinsic inflammation and autoimmune antibody production by qPCR. B cells and B cell subsets were also stimulated with CpG and supernatants collected after 7 days to measure autoimmune IgG secretion by ELISA. Metabolic measures (oxygen consumption rate, extracellular acidification rate and glucose uptake) were performed using a Seahorse XFp extracellular flux analyzer. Results Results have identified the subset of ABCs, whose frequencies and numbers increase with age and represent the most pro-inflammatory B cell subset, as the cell type mainly if not exclusively responsible for the expression of inflammatory markers and for the secretion of autoimmune antibodies in the spleen of old mice. Hyper-inflammatory ABCs from old mice are also hyper-metabolic, as compared to those from young mice and to the subset of FO B cells, a feature needed not only to support their higher expression of RNA for inflammatory markers but also their higher autoimmune antibody secretion. Conclusions These results identify a relationship between intrinsic inflammation, metabolism and autoimmune B cells and suggest possible ways to understand cellular mechanisms that lead to the generation of pathogenic B cells, that are hyper-inflammatory and hyper-metabolic, and secrete IgG antibodies with autoimmune specificities.

scholarly journals The expansion of activated naive DNA autoreactive B cells and its association with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kittikorn Wangriatisak ◽  
Chokchai Thanadetsuntorn ◽  
Thamonwan Krittayapoositpot ◽  
Chaniya Leepiyasakulchai ◽  
Thanitta Suangtamai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Autoreactive B Cells ◽  
Dsdna Antibody ◽  
Cell Subpopulations ◽  
B Cell Subsets

Abstract Background Autoreactive B cells are well recognized as key participants in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, elucidating the particular subset of B cells in producing anti-dsDNA antibodies is limited due to their B cell heterogeneity. This study aimed to identify peripheral B cell subpopulations that display autoreactivity to DNA and contribute to lupus pathogenesis. Methods Flow cytometry was used to detect total B cell subsets (n = 20) and DNA autoreactive B cells (n = 15) in SLE patients’ peripheral blood. Clinical disease activities were assessed in SLE patients using modified SLEDAI-2 K and used for correlation analyses with expanded B cell subsets and DNA autoreactive B cells. Results The increases of circulating double negative 2 (DN2) and activated naïve (aNAV) B cells were significantly observed in SLE patients. Expanded B cell subsets and DNA autoreactive B cells represented a high proportion of aNAV B cells with overexpression of CD69 and CD86. The frequencies of aNAV B cells in total B cell populations were significantly correlated with modified SLEDAI-2 K scores. Further analysis showed that expansion of aNAV DNA autoreactive B cells was more related to disease activity and serum anti-dsDNA antibody levels than to total aNAV B cells. Conclusion Our study demonstrated an expansion of aNAV B cells in SLE patients. The association between the frequency of aNAV B cells and disease activity patients suggested that these expanded B cells may play a role in SLE pathogenesis.

scholarly journals AB0419 THE COEXISTENCE OF FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER (FMF) IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) PATIENTS - A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1509.1-1510
Author(s):  
T. Klein ◽  
S. Tiosano ◽  
A. Chohen ◽  
H. Amital
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Familial Mediterranean Fever ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Fever ◽  
Age And Sex

Background:Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by multisystem inflammatory lesions affecting many organ systems in the body. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease of chronic autoimmune inflammation characterized by frequently relapsing self-limiting fever and inflammation that may be localized in peritoneum, pleura, joint or skin.1Previous studies have described the similarity of clinical symptoms of FMF among SLE patients. However, the literature on this topic is inconsistent and based mostly on case reports.2-4Objectives:To examine the proportions of coexistence of FMF among SLE patients compared to the general population. We hypothesized that the proportion of FMF among SLE patients is higher than the general population.Methods:This cross-sectional study used the Clalit Health Services database, the largest Health Maintenance Organization in Israel, serving 4,400,000 members. SLE patients were compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Chi- was used for univariate analysis.Results:The study included4886 SLEpatients and 24430 age- and sex-matched controls. The SLE group had a significantly higher proportion of FMF patients compared to non-SLE controls (0.68% and 0.21% respectively; p < 0.001).Table 1. All study populationTable 1.SLE patients and matched controls basic characteristicsNo SLESLEp.overallN=24430N=4886Age51.2±16.551.2±16.51.000Gender: Female20100 (82.3%)4020 (82.3%)1.000FMF52 (0.21%)33 (0.68%)<0.001Table 2. StratificationTable 2.comparison of FMF patients with and without SLEFMF without SLEFMF with SLEp.overallN=52N=33Age44.6±13.750.5±17.70.106Gender: Female45 (86.5%)26 (78.8%)0.523Conclusion:FMF was found to be more common amongst SLE patients compared to matched controls.The current study results suggest that the occurrence of SLE turn patients with an appropriate genetic and environmental setting to develop also FMF. This cross-sectional study sheds light on the coexistence of these two diseases, autoimmune and autoinflammatory.References:[1]Kucuk A, Gezer IA, Ucar R, Karahan AY. Familial mediterranean fever.Acta Medica (Hradec Kralove). 2014;57(3):97-104.[2]Lidar M, Zandman-Goddard G, Shinar Y, Zaks N, Livneh A, Langevitz P. SLE and FMF: A possible negative association between the two disease entities–report of four cases and review of the literature.Lupus. 2008;17(7):663-669.[3]Erten S, Taskaldiran I, Yakut ZI. Are systemic lupus erythematosus patients carrying MEFV gene less prone to renal involvement? report of three cases and review of the literature.Ren Fail. 2013;35(7):1013-1016.[4]Shinar Y, Kosach E, Langevitz P, et al. Familial mediterranean Fever gene (MEFV) mutations as a modifier of systemic lupus erythematosus.Lupus. 2012;21(9):993-998.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared

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