EBV load is associated with cfDNA fragmentation and renal damage in SLE patients.

Background: For long Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to verify the association between EBV, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and kidney disease in SLE.

Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 43 SLE patients and 50 healthy individuals.

Cell-free DNA profiling in patients with lupus nephritis.

Background: Increased level of cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and might be related to disease activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether cfDNA integrity, size distribution and concentration of different cfDNA fractions is associated with lupus activity and kidney involvement.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from 43 SLE patients and 50 healthy controls.