We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Novel Urinary Biomarkers with Improved Diagnostic Performance to Enable Early Detection of Lupus Nephritis

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 23 Jan 2024
Print article
Image: Researchers have discovered new biomarkers for lupus nephritis (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
Image: Researchers have discovered new biomarkers for lupus nephritis (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), widely known as lupus, is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. This disease can lead to inflammation affecting various body parts, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, and heart. Among its manifestations, lupus nephritis stands out as one of the most severe and common, often resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Early detection of kidney involvement in lupus patients and prompt intervention are critical in mitigating the associated pain, suffering, and potential fatality. Now, researchers have discovered new biomarkers with improved diagnostic performance for the early detection of lupus nephritis.

In a significant advancement, a research team from the University of Houston (Houston, TX, USA) employed Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) proteomics—a method focused on the study of proteins in terms of their interactions, functions, compositions, and structures—on urine samples from lupus patients. This approach led to the discovery of several proteins that are markedly increased in the urine of those with active lupus-related kidney disease. The study reaffirmed the validity of various previously recognized urine biomarkers for active renal lupus, including ALCAM, CD163, MCP1, SELL, ICAM1, VCAM1, NGAL, and TWEAK. Moreover, the team uncovered additional urine protein biomarkers not previously identified, such as ICAM-2, FABP4, FASLG, IGFBP-2, SELE, and TNFSF13B/BAFF. Analysis of these molecules within the kidneys indicated that they might be released into the urine by both immune and non-immune cells present in the renal tissue.

“We and others have reported several urine proteins that can serve as harbingers of renal involvement in lupus,” said Chandra Mohan, a pioneer in lupus research from the University of Houston. “Here, we report on a novel technique based on the use of antibodies and DNA amplification that can detect even low concentrations of proteins. This technique is called Proximity Extension Assay (PEA).”

Related Links:
University of Houston

New
Gold Member
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
Automated Blood Typing System
IH-500 NEXT
New
PSA Test
Human Semen Rapid Test
New
Alpha-1-Antitrypsin ELISA
IDK alpha-1-Antitrypsin ELISA

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The smartphone technology measures blood hemoglobin levels from a digital photo of the inner eyelid (Photo courtesy of Purdue University)

First-Of-Its-Kind Smartphone Technology Noninvasively Measures Blood Hemoglobin Levels at POC

Blood hemoglobin tests are among the most frequently conducted blood tests, as hemoglobin levels can provide vital insights into various health conditions. However, traditional tests are often underutilized... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Under a microscope, DNA repair is visible as bright green spots (“foci”) in the blue-stained cell DNA. Orange highlights actively growing cancer cells (Photo courtesy of WEHI)

Simple Blood Test Could Detect Drug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Patients

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women across the world are diagnosed with ovarian and breast cancer. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) therapy has been a major advancement in treating these cancers, particularly... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: HNL Dimer can be a novel and potentially useful clinical tool in antibiotic stewardship in sepsis (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Unique Blood Biomarker Shown to Effectively Monitor Sepsis Treatment

Sepsis remains a growing problem across the world, linked to high rates of mortality and morbidity. Timely and accurate diagnosis, along with effective supportive therapy, is essential in reducing sepsis-related... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.