Resistin in systemic lupus erythematosus: Relation to lupus nephritis and premature atherosclerosis

Lupus nephritis [LN] is one of the most severe complications of SLE. SLE patients have a greater risk of developing premature atherosclerosis. Resistin is an adipocyte-secreted peptide. It has pro-inflammatory and atherogenic effects. To assess the serum levels of resistin in SLE patients and to evaluate it as a marker of nephritis and premature atherosclerosis. This study included 50 SLE nonpregnant female adult [mean age 23.1 +/- 6.9 years] patients as well as 40 healthy volunteers matched in age and sex as a control group. Serum levels of resistin were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. All patients and controls underwent laboratory investigations and carotid duplex. Disease activity was assessed using SLE Disease Activity Index [SLEDAI]. Renal biopsy was performed for SLE patients with LN. There was a highly statistically significant increase in mean serum resistin levels [14.1 +/- 3.88 ng/ml] in patients versus the control group [6.44 +/- 1.34 ng/ml] being more obvious in those with LN. Resistin had a significant positive correlation with markers of inflammation, SLEDAI and carotid intima media thickness [CIMT]. Serum level of resistin may serve as a marker of LN and atherosclerosis in SLE patients. A more aggressive control of the underlying inflammatory process along with the control of traditional risk factors [hypertension and cholesterol] may be beneficial in reducing the risk factors of renal and atherosclerotic involvement in SLE. Therapeutic approaches with drugs that target resistin might be useful in the treatment of SLE

Dickkopf-1 in ankylosing spondylitis: relation to spinal dysmobility and radiographic findings

Dickkopf-1 [DKK-1] is an inhibitory molecule that regulates Wnt pathway, which is critically important in osteoblastic new bone formation, therefore it may play a role in the process of new bone formation in Ankylosing Spondylitis [AS]. To measure serum level of DKK-1 in AS patients and study the relation between these levels with disease activity, spinal dysmobility and radiographic findings. Thirty AS patients as well as 20 healthy subjects as a control group were included in this study. DKK-1 serum levels were measured using ELISA technique, disease activity was assessed using Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI] score, radiographic assessment by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index-spine [BASRI-s] and modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score [mSASSS]. DKK-1 was not correlated to ESR, CRP or BASDAI [p > 0.05] and was negatively correlated to BASRI-s and mSASSS [p < 0.001], though DKK-1 serum level was unexpectedly higher in patients versus control [p < 0.001]. On comparing HLA-B27 positive and HLA-B27 negative patients, there were a significant increase in BASRI-s and mSASSS and decrease in DKK-1 level in those with positive HLA-B27 [p < 0.05]. On comparing patients received anti TNF therapy and those not received anti TNF therapy, there was no significant difference in DKK-1 level [p > 0.05]. Our finding suggests dysfunction of DKK-1 in patient with AS