Correlations between antinucleosome antibodies and anti-double-stranded dna antibodies, C3, C4, and clinical activity in lupus patients

CER2722
2006 Vol.24, N°1
PI 0051, PF 0058
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PMID: 16539819 [PubMed]

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
To examine the correlations between antinucleosome antibodies and anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA antibodies, complement (C) 3 and 4 levels, and clinical activities in SLE patients.
METHODS:
Antinucleosome antibodies and anti-dsDNA antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The levels of C3 and C4 were measured by nephelometry. Clinical activities were determined by SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).
RESULTS:
Of 65 SLE patients, the prevalence of antinucleosome antibodies were higher than anti-ds DNA antibodies (52.3 vs 36.9%, respectively, p < 0.05). Similar results were obtained in 45 active SLE patients, 64.4% for antinucleosome antibodies and 46.7% for anti-ds DNA antibodies. Of 34 patients lacking anti-ds DNA antibodies, 16 (47.1%) were shown antinucleosome antibodies. Activity of antinucleosome antibodies was significantly correlated with the SLEDAI scores and inversedly correlated with the C3 levels but not with the C4 levels.
CONCLUSIONS:
Antinucleosome antibodies could be one of the earliest and most sensitive markers in diagnosis of SLE, particularly in anti-dsDNA antibodies-negative patients. More importantly, antinucleosome antibodies is correlated with clinical activities and C3 levels.