A new study published in Lupus Science & Medicine has utilized isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) screening technology to identify potential serum biomarkers for detecting systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). iTRAQ technology is able to detect and reconstruct protein fragments in body fluids using computational methods, which can indicate levels of inflammation in the body and lupus disease progression.
In this study, researchers examined the serum of nine people with SLE and five people without SLE using iTRAQ screening. They identified a total of 85 common proteins, with 16 proteins being elevated and 23 proteins being decreased in those with SLE. Two proteins, AZGP and AMBP, were found to be significantly elevated in people with both active and inactive SLE.
AZGP is produced in various organs and may contribute to lupus-related kidney disease, while AMBP expression correlated with renal disease activity in people with active SLE. Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) was also significantly elevated in individuals with SLE compared to healthy individuals. Interestingly, RBP4 levels were higher in people of African-American and Hispanic descent, but not in individuals of Chinese descent. Further research is needed to understand the role of AMBP in the development of SLE.
This study highlights the potential of iTRAQ screening technology in identifying serum biomarkers for SLE detection and monitoring lupus disease activity. Further investigations will be essential in expanding our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of SLE.
