EDITORIAL - Microparticles as biomarkers in autoimmunity: from dust bin to center stage

[Guest guest]

Arthritis Research & Therapy 2009, 11:135doi:10.1186/ar2856

Microparticles as biomarkers in autoimmunity: from dust bin to center stage

S Pisetsky

Medical Research Service, Durham VA Medical Center, Division of

Immunology and Rheumatology, Duke University Medical Center, 151G

Durham VAMC, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27705, USA

Abstract

Microparticles are small membrane-bound vesicles released from

activated and dying cells. As shown in a study of primary Sjogren's

syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis,

levels of microparticles in the blood, as measured by a solid-phase

prothrombinase assay or flow cytometry, are increased with

autoimmunity. Among patients with these conditions, however, particle

numbers were inversely related to disease activity and levels of the

enzyme secretory phospholipase A2 that can digest membrane lipids and

perhaps cause particle loss. These findings suggest microparticles as

novel biomarkers for autoimmunity, with levels reflecting events

leading to their loss as well as production.

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Read the entire editorial here:

http://arthritis-research.com/content/11/6/135

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