iTRAQ-based mass spectrometry screen to identify serum biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex systemic autoimmune disorder with no reliable serum biomarkers currently available other than autoantibodies.

Methods: In the present study, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation-based mass spectrometry was used to screen the sera of patients with SLE to uncover potential disease biomarkers.

Results: 85 common proteins were identified, with 16 being elevated (≥1.