scholarly journals Altered Profile of Fecal Microbiota in Newly Diagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Egyptian Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Marian A. Gerges ◽  
Noura E. Esmaeel ◽  
Wafaa K. Makram ◽  
Doaa M. Sharaf ◽  
Manar G. Gebriel

Background. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota could promote autoimmune disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Clarifying this point would be of great importance in understanding the pathogenesis and hence the development of new strategies for SLE treatment. Aim. This study aimed to determine the fecal microbiota profile in newly diagnosed SLE patients compared to healthy subjects and to investigate the correlation of this profile with disease activity. Methods. Newly diagnosed SLE patients who fulfilled at least four of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were enrolled during the study period. Patients with lupus were matched to healthy subjects. SLE activity was evaluated using the Systemic Lupus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K). Fresh fecal samples were collected from each subject. Genomic DNA was extracted from fecal samples. Quantitative real-time PCR was applied for quantitation of Firmicutes phylum, Bacteroidetes phylum, and Lactobacillus genus in comparison to the total fecal microbiota. Results of patients’ samples were compared to those of healthy subjects and were correlated to patients’ SLEDAI-2K score. Results. Twenty SLE patients’ samples were compared with 20 control samples. There was a significant alteration in SLE patients’ gut microbiota. A significantly lower ( p ≤ 0.001 ) Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio in SLE patients (mean ratio: 0.66%) compared to healthy subjects (mean ratio: 1.79%) was found. Lactobacillus showed a significant decrease in SLE patients ( p = 0.006 ) in comparison to healthy controls. An inverse significant correlation between SLEDAI-2K scores for disease activity and F/B ratio (r = −0.451; p = 0.04 ) was found. However, an inverse nonsignificant correlation between SLEDAI-2K scores for disease activity and Lactobacillus (r = −0.155; p = 0.51 ) was detected. Conclusion. Compared to healthy controls, recently diagnosed SLE Egyptian patients have an altered fecal microbiota profile with significant lowering of both F/B ratio and Lactobacillus abundance, which is weakly correlated with disease activity.

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 345.2-346
Author(s):  
K. Nay Yaung ◽  
J. G. Yeo ◽  
M. Wasser ◽  
P. Kumar ◽  
S. P. Tang ◽  
...  

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, systemic autoimmune disease that interferes with the balance between regulation and immunity, resulting in immune system dysfunction. Disease course is unpredictable due to alternating remissions and flares1.Disease activity and treatment response are measured with composite scores such as the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)2. However, disease heterogeneity can impede reliable patient assessments. Mechanistic insights into SLE are required for better assessment.Current studies are mainly descriptive, and a complex disease like SLE is best interrogated with multi-parametric, holistic approaches such as mass cytometry (CyTOF).Objectives:(1)To characterise immune signatures of newly diagnosed SLE patients and in the process:a.Study the roles of B and T cells in SLEb.Gain a holistic understanding of the adaptive immune response(2)To compare immunological profiles of newly diagnosed SLE patients with age-matched healthy controlsWe hypothesise that significant differences exist between immunomes of newly diagnosed SLE and healthy subjects.Methods:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 5 SLE subjects (median age 125 months) were tested with CyTOF. Data was uploaded to an online analytical platform, the Extended Polydimensional Immunome Characterization (EPIC) discovery tool, for comparison with 51 age-matched controls in its database.Subsequently, normalization and FlowSOM (Flow cytometry analysis by Self-Organising Maps) clustering to 50 nodes were performed with 37 functionally and phenotypically important immune markers. The Mann-Whitney U test identified significantly different cluster frequencies.Results:Correspondence analysis comparing global differences in cluster frequencies showed segregation of SLE subjects away from healthy controls. Multiple significant differences were identified (p < 0.05). Notably, a memory CD4+CD152+PD1+T cell subset (CD4+CD152+PD1+CD45RO+CD25-FoxP3-) was enriched in SLE (median: 2.17%, interquartile range: 1.66 to 7.74% of CD45+ PBMCs) versus control (1.34%, 1.06 - 1.58%; p = 0.00267). Expression of these known checkpoint inhibitors (PD1, CD152) could be important for SLE immunopathogenesis.Secondly, the innate lymphoid cell 2 (ILC2) subset (Lin-CD7+CD25+CD127+GATA3+) was markedly depressed in SLE (0.11%, 0.1 - 0.255%) versus control (0.41%, 0.25 - 0.55%; p = 0.0293). ILC2s protect epithelial integrity; a reduction suggests impaired protective roles in SLE.Supervised cell frequencies from bivariate analysis correlate strongly with unsupervised cell frequencies, validating these results (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = 0.9926, p < 0.001 (CD4+CD152+PD1+CD45RO+CD25-FoxP3-); r = 0.8863, p < 0.05 (ILC2)).Conclusion:With a multi-parametric, unbiased approach comparing SLE subjects to a large database of age-matched healthy controls, we identified two immune subsets of potential immunopathogenic importance. With this information, the CyTOF panel can be redesigned to probe more specifically into the SLE immunome, facilitating disease-specific interrogation.References:[1]Tsokos,G.C. (2011). Systemic lupus erythematosus.N Engl J Med365(22), 2110-2121.[2]Bombardier, C., Gladman, D.D., Urowitz, M.B., Caron, D., Chang, C.H. (1992). Derivation of the SLEDAI. A disease activity index for lupus patients. The Committee on Prognosis Studies in SLE.Arthritis Rheum35(6), 630-640.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 205873922110005
Author(s):  
Di Zhao ◽  
Xiao Yang ◽  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Yi Zhang

T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing molecule-3 (Tim-3) has been found to play important roles in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), however, whether Tim-3 is involved in apoptosis of NK cells in SLE remains unknown. The proportion of CD3−CD56+ NK cells and the percentage of AnnexinV+ NK cells were analyzed by flow cytometry in SLE patients and healthy controls. Tim-3 expression on NK cells was also evaluated by flow cytometry. We firstly observed a decreased proportion of NK cells and an increased proportion of apoptotic NK cells in SLE patients. The proportion of apoptotic NK cells was positively correlated with anti-dsDNA and SLEDAI. Tim-3 expression on NK cells was up-regulated in SLE patients. Further analysis showed that Tim-3 expression on NK cells was negatively correlated with the proportion of apoptotic NK cells, anti-dsDNA and SLEDAI, while positively correlated with the proportion of NK cells. The present results suggest that Tim-3 might play roles in SLE by regulating the apoptosis of NK cells and Tim-3 might serve as a potential target for the treatment of SLE.


Lupus ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 748-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
R C Li ◽  
J Guo ◽  
L C Su ◽  
A F Huang

Objective This study aimed to assess IL-24 levels and their association with clinical manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods There were 75 patients with SLE and 58 healthy controls recruited in this study. Serum levels of IL-24 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and mRNA levels of IL-24 were tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction . The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used for diagnostic ability of the inflammatory cytokine. Results Serum IL-24 levels were significantly higher in SLE patients than that in healthy controls. SLE patients with nephritis had higher IL-24 levels than those without nephritis. Active SLE patients showed higher expression of IL-24 as compared to less active disease patients. The mRNA levels of IL-24 were much higher in SLE patients. Correlation analysis showed significant correlation between serum IL-24 levels and SLE disease activity index. In addition, ROC analysis may suggest good ability of serum IL-24 in differentiating SLE. Conclusion The inflammatory cytokine correlated with SLE disease activity, and may be involved in this disease pathogenesis.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaqun Zhu ◽  
Xiaolin Sun ◽  
Lei Zhu ◽  
Fanlei Hu ◽  
Lianjie Shi ◽  
...  

Objective. To investigate the expression and clinical significance of trans-membrane MerTK (mMer) on circulating CD14+ monocytes/macrophages and soluble MerTK (sMer) levels in plasma in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Method. 108 SLE patients and 42 healthy controls were recruited in this study. The expression of mMer on the surfaces of CD14+ monocytes/macrophages was evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM). The sMer levels were measured by ELISA. Real-time quantitative PCR was applied to evaluate the mRNA levels of MerTK and ADAM17.Results. Both mMer expression on CD14+ monocytes/macrophages and sMer levels in plasma significantly increased in SLE patients compared to healthy subjects. The frequency of anti-inflammatory MerTK expressing CD14+CD16+ monocytes decreased in SLE. mMer expression was positively correlated with CD163 expression on CD14+ cells. Both the mMer expression on CD14+ monocytes/macrophages and sMer levels in plasma were positively correlated with SLEDAI. Furthermore, more elevated mMer and sMer levels were found in patients with higher SLEDAI, presence of anti-SSA, anti-Sm autoantibodies, and lupus nephritis.Conclusion. Both mMer and sMer levels significantly increased in SLE and positively correlated with disease activity and severity. The upregulation of MerTK expression may serve as a biomarker of the disease activity and severity of SLE.


Lupus ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 234-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Mertoglu ◽  
S Sahin ◽  
O F Beser ◽  
A Adrovic ◽  
K Barut ◽  
...  

Objectives: Vaccination of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with non-live vaccines may decrease vaccine-preventable infections and mortalities. In the present study, we aimed to compare the immunogenicity and safety of inactivated hepatitis A vaccination in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus and healthy subjects. Methods: A total of 30 childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus and 39 healthy participants who were seronegative for hepatitis A received two doses of the hepatitis A vaccine in a 0- and 6-month schedule. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) IgG antibodies were measured before vaccination and 7 months after the vaccination. Results: Although anti-HAV IgG antibody titers after vaccination were found to be somewhat lower in children with systemic lupus erythematosus than that of the healthy subjects ( p < 0.05), the difference in seroconversion rate was insignificant between childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients ( n = 24/30, 80%) and healthy controls ( n = 33/39, 84.6%). There was no increase in median Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2K scores and anti-ds DNA levels after the vaccination procedure. Seroconversion rates in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients were not affected by medication, high disease activity (SLEDAI-2K >6) and anti-ds DNA positivity. None of the patients experienced any flare or adverse reaction throughout the study. Conclusions: According to these results, we conclude that inactivated hepatitis A vaccine is safe and well tolerated in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients, with no adverse events or increase in activity. Immunogenicity to the hepatitis A vaccine was adequate, with a seropositivity rate of 80%.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitra Abbasifard ◽  
Zahra Kamiab ◽  
Mohammad Hasani ◽  
Amir Rahnama ◽  
Pooya Saeed-Askari ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The immunosuppressive effects of regulatory B-cells (Bregs) and their immunosuppressive cytokines on immune responses in autoimmune disorders, mainly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), have been recently established. Therefore, the purpose of this article has been the exploration of the expressions of cytokines produced by B cells in newly diagnosed SLE patients. Results The findings demonstrated that the gene expression of IL-10, TGF-β, IL-35, PD-L1, and FasL was significantly up-regulated in SLE patients compared to healthy subjects (P < 0.05). Additionally, the results revealed that serum levels of IL-10, TGF-β, IL-35, PD-L1 were remarkably increased in patients with SLE compared to healthy subjects (P < 0.0001). However, serum levels of IL-10 and TGF-β decreased significantly with increasing SLEDAI score in studied patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion It was concluded that the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-10 and TGF-β, might inhibit immune responses and autoreactive immune cells in a compensatory manner in SLE patients with mild to moderate disease activity.


Lupus ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 1494-1500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z Rezaieyazdi ◽  
M Sahebari ◽  
MR Hatef ◽  
B Abbasi ◽  
H Rafatpanah ◽  
...  

The role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as an inflammatory marker is still controversial. Recently, more sensitive methods, such as high sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) have been used to detect micro-inflammation. The role of hs-CRP in lupus flare has not been documented well. We conducted this study to examine the correlation between hs-CRP serum concentrations and disease activity in lupus. Ninety-two SLE patients and 49 healthy controls contributed to our study. Most confounding factors influencing the hs-CRP values were excluded. Disease activity was estimated using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2K). hs-CRP values were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Serum values of hs-CRP were significantly higher ( p < 0.001, z = 3.29) in patients compared with healthy controls. The cutoff point for hs-CRP between patients and controls was 0.93 mg/L (Youden’s Index = 0.39). There was no correlation between hs-CRP serum levels and disease activity. Furthermore, hs-CRP values did not correlate with any of the laboratory parameters, except for C3 ( p = 0.003, rs = −0.2) and C4 ( p = 0.02, rs = −0.1). Although hs-CRP serum levels were significantly higher in lupus patients compared with healthy controls, it seems that this marker is not a good indicator for disease activity.


Lupus ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 975-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Sahebari ◽  
G Roshandel ◽  
N Saadati ◽  
M Saghafi ◽  
N Abdolahi ◽  
...  

Background Cathelicidin (LL-37), an endogenous antimicrobial peptide, has recently been involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. To assess whether LL-37 reflects disease activity, we measured serum levels of it in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with active and inactive disease compared to healthy controls. LL-37 was also compared between new and old cases. Moreover, the correlation of LL-37 and pro-oxidant, antioxidant balance (PAB) was measured. Methods The study population consisted of 50 SLE patients and 28 healthy controls. Of those, 39 patients had active and 11 patients had inactive disease. Serum levels of LL-37 were measured by ELISA and PAB values by a special method. Results There was no difference in levels of LL-37 between patients and healthy controls (50.9 ± 20.8 vs. 67.7 ± 43.3 ng/ml, P = 0.31). LL-37 did not correlate with SLEDAI and its items in total patients. LL-37 had a positive correlation with SLEDAI in active patients ( P = 0.01, r = 0.4). In active patients (78% of patients), multivariate regression analysis showed significant negative correlation between LL-37 and C3 ( P = 0.01, standardized beta –0.50). No difference was found in levels of PAB between patients and controls (90.4 ± 34.1 vs. 86.9 ± 25.6 HK, P = 0.4).There was no difference in the levels of PAB between patients with active and inactive disease (93.2 ± 34.1 vs. 80.2 ± 33.7 HK, P = 0.27). No correlation was found between levels of PAB and SLEDAI items and total score. However, a positive correlation between the levels of LL-37 and PAB in SLE patients was found ( r = 0.3, P < 0.01). Conclusion Based on this study, serum LL-37 and PAB did not increase in lupus compared with healthy individuals. LL-37 serum values rose in parallel with SLEDAI in active disease. Positive correlation between serum PAB and LL-37 could be a great achievement of this study that may suggest the role of antioxidants in controlling NETosis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur Diyana Mohd Shukri ◽  
Aziz Farah Izati ◽  
Wan Syamimee Wan Ghazali ◽  
Che Maraina Che Hussin ◽  
Kah Keng Wong

The receptors for IL-35, IL-12Rβ2 and gp130, have been implicated in the inflammatory pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases. In this study, we set out to investigate the serum IL-35 levels and the surface levels of IL-12Rβ2 and gp130 in CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD4─ and CD3─CD4─ lymphocyte subpopulations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients (n=50) versus healthy controls (n=50). The potential T cell subsets associated with gp130 transcript (i.e. IL6ST) expression in CD4+ T cells of SLE patients was also examined in publicly-available gene expression profiling (GEP) datasets. Here, we report that serum IL-35 levels were significantly higher in SLE patients than healthy controls (p=0.038) but it was not associated with SLEDAI-2K scores. The proportions of IL-12Rβ2+ and gp130+ cells in SLE patients did not differ significantly with those of healthy controls in all lymphocyte subpopulations investigated. Essentially, higher SLEDAI-2K scores were positively correlated with increased proportion of gp130+ cells, but not IL-12Rβ2+ cells, on CD3+CD4+ T cells (r=0.425, p=0.002, q=0.016). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of a GEP dataset of CD4+ T cells isolated from SLE patients (n=8; GSE4588) showed that IL6ST expression was positively associated with genes upregulated in CD4+ T cells vs myeloid or B cells (q&lt;0.001). In an independent GEP dataset of CD4+ T cells isolated from SLE patients (n=9; GSE1057), IL6ST expression was induced upon anti-CD3 stimulation, and that Treg, TCM and CCR7+ T cells gene sets were significantly enriched (q&lt;0.05) by genes highly correlated with IL6ST expression (n=92 genes; r&gt;0.75 with IL6ST expression) upon anti-CD3 stimulation in these SLE patients. In conclusion, gp130 signaling in CD3+CD4+ T cell subsets may contribute to increased disease activity in SLE patients, and it represents a promising therapeutic target for inhibition in the disease.


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