iTRAQ Technology Identifies Potential New Biomarkers for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) screening technology, a new study published in Lupus Science & Medicine identified several potential serum biomarkers that could be used to detect systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). iTRAQ detects and reconstructs protein fragments in body fluids using computational methods. Levels of proteins can alert the presence of inflammation in the body and lupus disease progression. 

The serum of nine people with SLE and five people without SLE were examined using iTRAQ screening. A total of 85 common proteins were found, with 16 being elevated and 23 being decreased in those with SLE. Of note: 

• The proteins, AZGP and AMBP, were significantly elevated in people with both active and inactive SLE. 
  • The AZGP protein is produced in the skin, lung, pancreas, liver and kidney and thus, may contribute to nephritis (LN, lupus-related kidney disease). 
  • AMBP expressed significantly in people with active SLE and correlated with renal disease activity.
• Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) was also significantly elevated in those with SLE compared with healthy people. Interestingly, RBP4 levels were higher in people of African-American and Hispanic descent, but not of Chinese descent. 

More research is needed to explore how AMBP may contribute to the development of SLE. Learn more about diagnosing lupus.

Read the study