Expression pattern of glucocorticoid receptor α gene and associations with clinicolaboratory features in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background: Glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) gene is a transcription factor with clinically significant immune-modulating properties in various autoimmune diseases. However, the expression pattern of the GRα gene and associations with clinical features in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is controversial. This study aimed to assess the correlation between the GRα expression and different clinical and laboratory-related parameters in SLE patients.

Evaluation of serum C4d levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its relation to lupus nephritis.

Background: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a debilitating complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Renal biopsy is the gold standard for evaluating LN. Serum C4d is a potential non-invasive method for evaluating LN.

Serum alpha-actinin antibody status in systemic lupus erythematosus and its potential in the diagnosis of lupus nephritis.

Background: In lupus nephritis (LN), deposition of pathogenic autoantibodies in the glomeruli is mediated via cross-reactivity with alpha-actinin. Association of serum alpha-actinin antibody (AαA) with LN has been shown in a few studies but the results are controversial.

Methods: Eighty patients into entered the study.

Lack of association of vitamin D receptor gene BsmI polymorphisms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Several data link vitamin D to many autoimmune diseases. Association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene BsmI polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported. In this study, we examine whether the VDR gene BsmI polymorphisms are markers for susceptibility to or severity of SLE.