Relationship of IP-10 gene expression to systemic lupus erythematosus activity.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate IP-10 gene expression in patients with SLE, and its possible relationship with disease activity.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

This study included 120 patients diagnosed with SLE and 30 healthy controls. The relative gene expression of IP-10 was investigated with the Fold Change method, which was correlated with the level of lupus activity evaluated with the SLEDAI 2-K instrument.

RESULTS

Different levels of gene expression were found according to the SLE activity (P = <.001). IP-10 gene expression levels were higher in patients with severe activity than in those with no activity, low activity, and moderate activity. The increase in gene expression in the severe activity group was significant with a Fold Change of 3

CONCLUSION

The significant increase in relative gene expression IP-10 may be a marker of severe lupus activity.