Levels in plasma of the serine proteases and associated proteins of the lectin pathway are altered in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

J Rheumatol. 2015 Jun;42(6):948-51. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.141163. Epub 2015 Apr 15.

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether proteins of the lectin pathway of the complement system are involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis.

Methods: Using time-resolved immunofluorometric assays, plasma levels of mannan-binding lectin (MBL)-associated serine proteases 1 (MASP-1), MASP-2, MASP-3, MBL-associated protein of 19 kDa (MAp19), and MAp44 were determined in 58 patients with SLE and 65 healthy controls (HC).

Results: Plasma concentrations in patients with SLE were higher than HC regarding MASP-1, MASP-3, and MAp44 (p < 0.0001, 0.0003, and 0.0013). Complement factor 3 correlated negatively and anti-dsDNA positively with levels of MAp19 (p = 0.0035, p = 0.0133).

Conclusion: In SLE, plasma levels of MASP and MAp are altered and associated with SLE characteristics, supporting a role in SLE pathogenesis.

Keywords: COMPLEMENT SYSTEM; INNATE IMMUNITY; LECTIN PATHWAY; SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cohort Studies
  • Complement System Proteins / metabolism
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Denmark
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate / immunology*
  • Logistic Models
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / blood
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / physiopathology*
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / genetics
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / metabolism*
  • Mannose-Binding Protein-Associated Serine Proteases / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Serine Proteases / blood
  • Serine Proteases / metabolism
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Signal Transduction
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Mannose-Binding Lectin
  • Complement System Proteins
  • Serine Proteases
  • Mannose-Binding Protein-Associated Serine Proteases