Concentration and microheterogeneity of acute-phase glycoproteins in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PURPOSE To determinate glycosylation of selected acute-phase glycoproteins (AGP, ACT, CP) and serum concentration of this proteins in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study was carried out on 35 patients with active SLE and 15 healthy volunteers. The immunological measurements were performed at first day of hospitalisation, before receiving treatment. The concentration of CRP, AGP, ACT and CP were evaluated by electroimmunoassay using anti-AGP, anti-ACT, anti-CP antibodies. CRP levels were determined by radial immunodiffusion with anti-CRP antibodies. The microheterogeneity of the acute phase proteins was assessed by agarose affinity electrophoresis using Con A as a ligand, as was described by Bøg-Hansen. RESULTS Between SLE patients and control group statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) were observed in serum concentration of all investigated parameters. There were no significant differences in serum acute-phase proteins levels with regards to patient's age, sex and disease activity. The reactivity coefficients: AGP-RC, ACT-RC, CP-RC in SLE patients were similar to the healthy group. The precipitate curves were similar in both groups. The main difference was in the area of the precipitant, which was bigger in the SLE patients. CONCLUSIONS Configuration of analysis serum concentration and heterogeneity of acute-phase proteins is one of important diagnostic tests in SLE.