New Study Finds Potential Biomarker Linking Fat Imbalance to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Problems in how the immune system and metabolism work together play an important role in lupus. A new study explored molecules carried within blood exosomes to see if changes in fat metabolism contribute to lupus and found that plasma exosomal FAP may serve as a potential biomarker associated with abnormal fat metabolism in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a protein found on certain cells in the body (called fibroblasts). 

Plasma exosomes (tiny bubbles released by cells) were analyzed by ultracentrifugation (a super high-speed spinning method that separates tiny particles) from people with active or inactive SLE, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and healthy controls. Researchers profiled the samples and found that FAP was significantly increased in plasma exosomes from SLE patients, especially those with active SLE, but not in people with RA. 

Further analysis found a specific pattern of fats in exosomes from blood of people with SLE: there were more pro-inflammatory lipid species (including certain saturated and omega-6 fatty acids) and fewer anti-inflammatory lipids (such as omega-3 fatty acids). People with active SLE had more inflammatory fats and higher exosomal FAP in their blood, which were associated with increased disease activity and reduced protective (anti-inflammatory) fats. 

This study identifies an association between exosomal FAP and lipid metabolic reprogramming in SLE, suggesting that exosomal FAP may serve as a potential biomarker of disease activity and altered lipid metabolism. However, these findings are observational, and more research is needed to better understand the role of FAP in SLE and its potential clinical applications. Learn more about eating healthy when you have lupus.

Read the study