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| The aim of this study was to compare the mRNA and serum expression of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy controls. 62 patients and 15 healthy controls were recruited in the study. TWEAK messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in PBMC from 33 of 62 patients was detected by relative quantitation RT-PCR. TWEAK concentrations in serum of all 62 patients were measured by ELISA. TWEAK mRNA expressions in PBMC were decreased in SLE patients compared with healthy controls. Lower TWEAK mRNA expression was also found in the active SLE patients when compared to inactive counterparties. However, there is no significant difference between LN patients and non-LN SLE patients. The serum level of TWEAK (sTWEAK) in SLE patients was increased when compared to healthy controls. In addition, the sTWEAK level was higher in SLE patients with vasculitis than that in SLE patients without vasculitis, the same was true in comparison between patients with and without headache. Nevertheless, no significant differences were found between active SLE patients and inactive patients, as well as between LN patients and non-LN SLE patients. In our study, SLE patients express reduced TWEAK mRNA but elevated level of sTWEAK, in addition, sTWEAK level was associated with several clinical manifestations of SLE, indicating that TWEAK may play a complex role in SLE. |
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| Keywords:TWEAK;Systemic lupus erythematosus;Lupus nephritis;Vasculitis;Headache |
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