A Comparative Study on the Incidence, Aggravation, and Remission of Lupus Nephritis Based on iTRAQ Technology

Abstract

Aim and objective: Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the major complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The specific mechanisms of pathogenesis, aggravation, and remission processes in LN have not been clarified but is of great need in the clinic. Using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology to screen the functional proteins of LN in mice. Especially under intervention factors of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and dexamethasone.

Methods: Mrl-lps mice were intervened with LPS, dexamethasone, and normal saline (NS) using intraperitoneal injection, and c57 mice intervened with NS as control. The anti-ANA antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to verify disease severity. Kidney tissue is collected and processed for iTRAQ to screen out functional proteins closely related to the onset and development of LN. Western blot method and rt-PCR (real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction) were used for verification.

Results: We identified 136 proteins that marked quantitative information. Among them, Hp, Igkv8-27, Itgb2, Got2, and Pcx proteins showed significant abnormal manifestations.

Conclusion: Using iTRAQ methods, the functional proteins Hp, Igkv8-27, Itgb2, Got2, and Pcx were screened out for a close relationship with the pathogenesis and development of LN, which is worth further study.

Keywords: Lupus erythematosus; iTRAQ technology; lupus nephritis; pathogenesis; proteomics; rt-PCR.