Adipokines, tumor necrosis factor and its receptors in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objectives To analyze the association of adipokines and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and its receptors with characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to investigate the correlation between adipokines and the TNF system. Methods One hundred and thirty-six SLE women, aged ≥18 years old, were assessed. TNFα, soluble TNFα receptors 1 (sTNFR1) and 2 (sTNFR2) and adipokines were analyzed by ELISA kits. Results The median (IQR) of age was 41.5 (33.0–49.7) years old and of disease duration 11.3 (7.8–15.8) years. The median (IQR) of disease activity was 0 (0–4) and of damage index was 2 (1–3). Higher levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were associated with nephritis ( p < 0.001 for both), and sTNFR1 ( p = 0.025) and TNFα ( p = 0.014) were positively associated with arthritis. Higher sTNFR1 levels were found in participants that were not using antimalarial drugs ( p = 0.04). Independent correlation was found between sTNFR1 (β = 0.253; p = 0.003) and sTNFR2 (β = 0.297; p < 0.001) levels and disease activity and damage index (sTNFR1: β = 0.367; p < 0.001; sTNFR2: β = 0.335; p < 0.001). Higher adiponectin levels were independently associated with nephritis ( p = 0.009) and antimalarial drugs use ( p = 0.015). There was a positive correlation between leptin and sTNFR2 levels ( p = 0.002) and between resistin levels and sTNFR1 ( p < 0.001) and sTNFR2 ( p < 0.001). Conclusion The correlation between adipokines and TNF system allows a better understanding of the role of adipokines in the inflammatory response in SLE patients.