Lupus Biomarkers Identified

November 4, 2004

-- Preidt

THURSDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDayNews) -- Protein biomarkers that could lead to

earlier and more accurate diagnosis of the autoimmune disease lupus have

been identified by University of Pittsburgh researchers.

" This is the first report of abnormal levels of the protein erythrocyte-C4d

in human disease. Abnormally high levels of erythrocyte-C4d and low levels

of erythrocyte-CR1 are characteristic of SLE [systemic lupus erythematosus]

and combined measurement of the two proteins has high diagnostic sensitivity

and specificity for lupus, " study author Dr. Manzi, an associate

professor of medicine, epidemiology and dermatology, said in a prepared

statement.

She and her colleagues identified the protein biomarkers by analyzing blood

samples from 100 people with lupus and comparing them to blood samples from

healthy people and patients with other diseases.

The study appears in the November issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.

Senior author Dr. ph Ahearn, an associate professor of medicine,

described the study's findings as substantial.

" Today we are one step closer to providing patients with an immediate and

accurate diagnosis, one step closer to providing physicians with the ability

to offer better treatment options and one step closer to providing incentive

to lower the cost of health care for patients suffering from lupus, " Ahearn

said.

Lupus affects as many as 1.5 million Americans. It occurs 10 to 15 times

more often in women than men. The disease causes the immune system to attack

the body's own tissues and organs.

" Lupus is the prototypical autoimmune disease and arguably the greatest

diagnostic challenge among rheumatologic diseases, " Ahearn said. " The

spectrum of disease among patients with SLE is broad and ranges from subtle

or vague symptoms to life-threatening multi-organ failure, and the

manifestations of lupus often mimic those of other diseases which makes it

difficult to diagnose. "

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