Lower circulating mitochondrial DNA and increased mitokines suggest significant mitochondrial dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus with renal involvement.

ABSTRACT:

Background

SLE is associated with significant morbidity, especially in the case of renal involvement. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a significant role in SLE and may be assessed by measuring mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and cytokines reflecting mitochondrial stress (mitokines). Circulating mtDNA is a promising biomarker in SLE and appears to be reduced in severe SLE. However, measuring circulating mtDNA is challenging and reported methods are heterogenous. Our study aimed at evaluating whole blood mtDNA to nuclear DNA (nucDNA) ratio using droplet-digital PCR and circulating mitokines, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and fibroblast growth factor 21 in SLE with and without renal involvement.

Methods

Cross-sectional study involving 195 patients with SLE and age-matched

SUBMITTER: Halfon M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11795360 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature