1.
Trace Elements Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Insulin Resistance.
Pedro, EM, da Rosa Franchi Santos, LF, Scavuzzi, BM, Iriyoda, TMV, Peixe, TS, Lozovoy, MAB, Reiche, EMV, Dichi, I, Simão, ANC, Santos, MJ
Biological trace element research. 2019;(1):34-44
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of multifactorial origin. Studies have shown that trace elements such as zinc and copper may help maintain optimum function of the immune system and metabolism, while toxic metals such as lead may increase systemic autoimmunity. The current study aimed to assess the relationship between serum concentration of lithium (Li), vanadium (V), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) and SLE diagnosis, disease activity measured by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and insulin resistance (IR). This case-control, cross-sectional study included 225 patients, 120 healthy controls, and 105 SLE patients. Serum concentration of Li, V, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, and Pb was measured. Serum concentrations of V (p < 0.001), Zn (p < 0.001), and Pb (p < 0.001) were lower and Mo (p < 0.001) and Li (p < 0.001) were higher in patients with SLE compared to healthy controls. SLE diagnosis was associated with higher serum Li (p < 0.001) concentration and lower V (p < 0.001), Zn (p = 0.003), and Pb (p = 0.020). Toxic metals and trace elements were not associated with disease activity. Levels of Cd were higher in patients with IR (p = 0.042). There was no significant association between IR and the other metals. The results indicate that SLE patients have different profiles of trace elements and toxic metals compared to healthy controls. While some toxic metals and trace elements were found to be associated with SLE diagnosis, they had no effect on disease activity and IR.
2.
Analysis of Sodium Chloride Intake and Treg/Th17 Lymphocytes in Healthy Individuals and Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Vitales-Noyola, M, Layseca-Espinosa, E, Baranda, L, Abud-Mendoza, C, Niño-Moreno, P, Monsiváis-Urenda, A, Rosenstein, Y, González-Amaro, R
Journal of immunology research. 2018;:9627806
Abstract
We assessed different immune parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with low (LSI) and high (HSI) sodium intake. Thirty-eight patients with RA, thirty-seven with SLE, and twenty-eight healthy subjects were studied and classified as LSI or HSI. Levels and suppressive function of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and CD4+CD69+Foxp3- Treg cells were determined by flow cytometry in blood samples. Levels and in vitro differentiation of Th17 cells were also assessed. Similar levels of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and CD4+CD69+Foxp3- Treg cells were observed in LSI and HSI patients or controls. However, a positive correlation was detected between sodium intake and levels of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in SLE and a negative association between CD4+CD69+Foxp3- Treg cells and sodium intake in RA. No other significant associations were detected, including disease activity and sodium intake. Moreover, the suppressor activity of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and CD4+CD69+Foxp3- Treg cells was similar in LSI and HSI patients or controls. The levels and in vitro differentiation of Th17 cells were also similar in LSI and HSI individuals. Our results suggest that, in the population studied (Mexican mestizo), the level of sodium intake is not apparently associated with different relevant immune parameters in healthy subjects or patients with SLE or RA.
3.
Topics on vitamin D in systemic lupus erythematosus: analysis of evidence and critical literature review.
Marinho, A, Taveira, M, Vasconcelos, C
Immunologic research. 2017;(2):495-511
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with multiorgan inflammation, linked to the loss of immune tolerance to self-antigens and the production of a diversity of autoantibodies. The phenotype and progression of SLE have been linked to a combination of environmental, genetic, and hormonal factors. One such environmental factor is vitamin D, a vital hormone with well-established effects on mineral metabolism, skeletal health, and effects on cardiovascular system. The purpose of this article is to make the analysis of evidence and literature review of the pleomorphic effects of Vitamin D in SLE. The article is structured in topics of interest based in the authors' opinion and summarizes the evidence of studies and trials of vitamin D in SLE.