Examination of Several Immunological and Biochemical Parameters in Lupus Nephritis Patients
Abstract
Background: Lupus nephritis with immune dysregulation and renal involvement is a severe, potentially life-threatening complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Assessment of immune and serologic parameters is important in determining disease activity and monitoring renal injury. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate some immunological and biochemical parameters in lupus nephritis (LN) patients and their correlation with disease activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients diagnosed with LN and age-matched healthy controls. Blood and urine were obtained to assess different immunological parameters (antinuclear antibody, ANA; anti-dsDNA antibodies; complement levels: C3 and C4). Serum creatinine, blood urea, albumin and proteinuria were also measured by standard laboratory procedures. Comparison of patient groups and control groups was conducted through statistical analysis, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 110 participants were included in this study, with a mean age of 39.0±11.76 years. The majority of participants were females (99.1%). The ANA test was positive in 33.7% of patients, while 66.3% were negative. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were positive in 10% of cases. The mean MYD88 level was 5.31±2.74, ranging from 2.01 to 13.64, indicating variability in immune marker expression among participants. Lupus nephritis patients had much higher amounts of immunological markers, in particular anti-dsDNA antibodies and lower complement (C3 and C4) levels than healthy controls (P < 0.05). Biochemical analysis showed significantly higher serum creatinine and proteinuria, with decreased levels of serum albumin, which indicated impaired renal function. Conclusions: It is concluded that the combined evaluation of immune and biochemical indices can be helpful in assessing disease activity and renal involvement in patients with lupus nephritis. These markers could be useful to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression, as well as guiding therapeutic intervention.