Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 as a biomarker for disease activity in lupus nephritis patients

Objectives: This study was to assess platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM1) as a biomarker of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) activity and lupus nephritis (LN) diagnosis. Background: SLE is autoimmune disease-causing multisystem inflammation, where reliable biomarkers for disease activity are still needed. PECAM1 play a role in immune regulation and vascular integrity. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved (50) SLE patients and 50 healthy subjects. PCAM1, ANA, and anti-dsDNA were measured and renal biopsy was carried out in LN patients. Disease activity was assessed using the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score. Results: Mean PCAM1 level in all SLE patients was (13.8 ± 4.8), which was significantly higher than the control (5.57 ± 1.5). However, mean PCAM1 level in the LN was (14.85 ± 5.2) and (12.23 ± 3) in SLE (without nephritis). There was a significant positive correlation between PCAM1 and SLEDAI score (R = 0.875, P = 0.000) and renal SLEDAI score (R = 0.561, P = 0.001). PCAM1 at cutoff point 8.5 predicted SLE activity with 95% sensitivity and 87% specificity. Conclusion: PCAM1 could be used as a highly sensitive marker for predicting SLE activity. Though PECAM1 was higher in LN patients, this was statistically insignificant Keywords: Lupus nephritis, Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, Systemic lupus erythromatosis, Systemic lupus erythromatosis disease activity index.