The Levels Of SCD40L And The Expression Of CD40 On Monocytes From SLE Patients And Their Clinical Significance

Objective: (1)To investigate the alteration of levels of serum sCD40L in SLE patients.We will analyze the difference of serum levels of sCD40L between SLE patients of normal platelet counts and those of lower platelet counts. We determine whether the levels of serum sCD40L in SLE patients relate with SLEDAI scores. (2)To analyze whether the expression of CD40 on monocytes of SLE patients is abnormal.Methods: (1)ELISA method was used to measure the serum and plasma levels of sCD40L. (2) The expression of CD40 on monocytes in SLE patients and normal controls was examined by immnofluorescence and flow cytometry.Result: (1) The levels of serum sCD40L in SLE patients of normal platelet counts is higher than those of lower platelet counts and normal controls.(2) The levels of serum sCD40L from SLE patients did not correlate with the SLEDAI scores.(3) There is significant positive correlation between sCD40L values of SLE patients and platelet counts.(4) In normal controls,the levels of sCD40L in serum is higher than thatof plasma.(5) The percentage of CD14+CD40+ among CD 14+ cells from patients with SLE is higher than that of normal controls.There is positive relationship between the expression of CD40 on monocytes from SLE patients and SLEDAI scores.Conclusion: (l)The levels of serum sCD40L in SLE patients is higher than that of normal controls,which may participate in the occurrence and development of SLE. Platelet counts have some effects on the levels of serum sCD40L.There is no correlateion between the levels of serum sCD40L and SLEDAI scores.In clinical practice , the serum concentrations of sCD40L may not be a good index to monitor disease activity in SLE patients. (2)The elevated expression of CD40 on monocytes of SLE patients may take part in the pathogenesis of SLE.