T follicular helper cells and Th2 cells are involved in lupus pathogenesis and autoimmunity in obese-associated systemic lupus erythematosus patients 3284

Abstract Description SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the generation of autoantibodies that promote tissue injury. Obesity is considered as a chronic inflammatory status and risk factor for autoimmune disease. Our previous data showed that lupus pathogenesis was exacerbated in obese SLE patients. Here we investigated the immune cell profile and clinicopathological features in obese SLE patients. Blood specimens were collected from 41 consented SLE patients with non-obese (BMI≤25, n = 10), overweight (BMI 25-30, n = 8), and obese (BMI≥30, n = 23). Immune cell profile was examined by flow cytometry. Clinical data were extracted from EPIC. Statistical significance and correlation were determined by Student’s t-test and Chi’s squared test. Obese and overweight SLE patients had a significantly more severe lupus (SLEDAI>6) than nonobese lupus patients (p < 0.01). Urine protein/creatinine ratio (p < 0.05), CRP (p < 0.005) and ESR level (p < 0.05) were significantly increased in obese SLE patients. Complement levels were correlated to patients’ BMI levels (P < 0.05). In addition, the increased frequencies of circulating Th2 (r = 0.8910) and Tfh helper cells (r = 0.5902) were observed in obese SLE patients, which were significantly correlated to SLEDAI level (p < 0.05). Our results showed that obese SLE patients had an altered Th2/Tfh helper cell profile and dysfunctional clinical features with worse outcomes. Further mechanism study may provide preventive and treatment strategies for obese SLE patients. Funding Sources LSUHS and Ochsner Collaborative Intramural Research Program (CIRP) Topic Categories Immune Mechanisms of Human Disease (HUM)