부산대학교 도서관

Aim There is significant autoantibody production in systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE) and scleroderma ( SSc); microchimerism is also thought to play a role in pathogenesis. We determined the frequency of anti- HLA antibodies in SLE and SSc patients and evaluated associated clinical factors. Methods We included 77 SLE patients, 46 SSc patients and 53 healthy controls into the study. Clinical data about the patients were obtained from hospital records. Anti-human leukocyte (anti- HLA) antigen antibody analysis of sera was performed by applying Lifecodes anti- HLA Class I and Class II Screening kits based on x MAP technology. Results The frequencies of class I and II anti- HLA antibodies were significantly higher in SLE (27.3% and 41.6%) and SSc (26.1% and 41.3%) groups than in healthy controls (1.9% and 5.7%) (all P < 0.001). Frequencies of thrombocytopenia ( P = 0.021), anti-ribonucleoprotein ( P = 0.037) and anti-Ro ( P = 0.027) were significantly higher in the class I antibody-positive SLE group; however, pericarditis was less frequent ( P = 0.05). On the other hand, the class II antibody-positive SLE group had more frequent anti-ribosomal P antibody ( P = 0.038), but less frequent active disease ( P = 0.038). In the SSc group, class I antibody-positive patients had more frequent digital ulcers ( P = 0.048) and anti-centromere antibodies ( P = 0.01). There was no association of anti- HLA antibodies with pulmonary hypertension and interstitial fibrosis in SSc patients. Conclusions Both class I and class II antibodies were found to be significantly increased in SLE and SSc. Rather than major organ involvement, anti- HLA antibodies were associated with the presence of other antibodies in both diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]