History

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease, with a wide range of clinical symptoms. Numerous studies have indicated to the association between autoantibodies (ANA and ds-DNA), trace elements [Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Aluminum (AL)], and essential element Calcium (Ca) serum levels and pathogenesis of SLE. The current study aims to evaluate the role of some autoantibodies (ANA, ds-DNA), Trace elements (Zn, Cu, AL), and essential element (Ca) in pathogenesis of early diagnosed SLE patients and treated patients. The study included 180 females diagnosed with SLE and a healthy individuals as control (60 females as early diagnosed SLE without treatment, 60 females as SLE patients under treatment with (prednisolone, hydroxychloroquine) and 60 females healthy as control group, with ages ranging from 20 to 45 years. The serum levels of autoantibodies (ANA and ds-DNA) were assessed by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Trace elements (Zn, Cu, Al) and essential element (Ca) were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of ANA and ds-DNA showed that the serum level of  ANA was significantly higher in early diagnosed group followed by treated group compared with control group (p<0.05). The ds-DNA serum level was significantly higher in both SLE patients groups (early diagnosed and treated) compared with control group (p<0.05). The results of trace elements and Ca showed that the serum levels of Zn and Ca were significantly lower in both SLE patients groups (early diagnosed and treated) compared with healthy control group (p<0.05). The Cu and AL serum levels were significantly higher in both SLE patients groups (early diagnosed and treated) compared with healthy control group (p<0.05). Based on these results, autoantibodies (ANA, ds-DNA), trace elements (Zn, Cu, Al), and essential element (Ca) may plays a role in the pathogenesis of SLE.