ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To explore the association of serum level of apolipoprotein M with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).@*METHODS@#A total of 65 patients with SLE, who came to Second Xiangya Hospital for treatment from April to November in 2013 (SLE group) and 120 age-and sex-matched controls (control group) were studied. The SLE group was further divided into three groups according to systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI): a mild activity group, a moderate activity group and a severe activity group (n=16, 16, 33, respectively). The control group was also divided into a disease control group (n=60) and a healthy control group (n=60). The serum levels of apo M were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Other indicators including TC, TG, HDL, LDL, apo A1, apo B, and anti-dsDNA antibody were detected. The correlation between SLEDAI or anti-dsDNA antibody and apo M was assessed.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the healthy control group, the expression levels of apo M and HDL were decreased significantly (both P0.05). The serum concentration of apo M was significant negatively correlated with SLEDAI and anti-dsDNA antibody (r=-0.551, -0.562, both P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with the healthy control group, the serum levels of apo M in patients with SLE are significantly decreased. The apo M is closely correlated with disease activity of SLE and it might be used as an indicator to monitor the disease activity of SLE.