Systemic lupus erythematosus: The search for the ideal biomarker

Abstract

During the last decades, there has been an increased interest in the discovery and validation of biomarkers that reliably reflect specific aspects of lupus. Although many biomarkers have been developed, few of them have been validated and used in clinical practice, but with unsatisfactory performances. Thus, there is still a need to rigorously validate many of these novel promising biomarkers in large-scale longitudinal studies and also identify better biomarkers not only for lupus diagnosis but also for monitoring and predicting upcoming flares and response to treatment. Besides serological biomarkers, urinary and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers have emerged for assessing both renal and central nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus, respectively. Also, novel omics techniques help us to understand the molecular basis of the disease and also allow the identification of novel biomarkers which may be potentially useful for guiding new therapeutic targets.

Clinical and Immunological Biomarkers for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

“…A biomarker is defined as a measurable indicator of a normal biological process, a pathogenic process, or a response to drug exposure or intervention [8]. Recently, biomarkers were redefined such that they must have a specific physical sign or cellular, biochemical, molecular, or genetic character and can be used to detect and/or monitor a biologic process biochemical, molecular, or genetic character and can be used to detect and/or monitor a biologic process or morbid state by a qualitative and/or quantitative test [9]. Blood, urine, or tissues can be measured for biomarkers [10].…”

“…Common biomarkers for SLE and their measurement sites in patients with SLE are highlighted in Figure 1. Finding an ideal biomarker for SLE is challenging because it should have the following characteristics: (1) reflect the underlying pathophysiology or treatment target; (2) have reliability, validity, high predictive values, and high sensitivity and specificity; (3) have the ability to monitor SLE activity or flares; (4) are reliably measured in tissues, cells, or fluids, and not be influenced by other factors or comorbidities; and (5) are stable, reproducible, easily detected, and testing should be readily available in most laboratories at a reasonable cost [9,12]. It should be noted that reproducibility and reliability may be affected by laboratory errors, specific techniques, or changes in storage [13].…”

Тривожні Та Депресивні Розлади У Хворих На Системний Червоний Вовчак

“…Системний червоний вовчак (СЧВ) -аутоімунне хронічне захворювання, що характеризується мультиорганним ураженням і уражує переважно осіб молодого віку жіночої статі [1][2][3]. Клінічна картина захворювання являє собою значне розмаїття симптомів та проявів, що мають різні патогенетичні механізми, більшість з яких недостатньо з'ясовані.…”

A multianalyte assay panel with cell-bound complement activation products demonstrates clinical utility in systemic lupus erythematosus

“…A plethora of biomarkers have been identified in SLE, 11 however only traditional autoantibodies, such as ANA and antibodies to double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), Smith (anti-Sm) or ribosomal P protein are routinely measured in current clinical practice. ANA is detectable in most patients with SLE at presentation 12 and ANA, anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm are part of SLE classification criteria.…”

“…Also serum levels of the complement proteins C3 and C4 are normal in most patients with SLE or suspected of SLE. 11 16 …”