DNA Methylation of CD70 Promoter in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Introduction

Epigenetic alterations in pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have gained more attention recently in adults. We assessed the methylation of CD70 promoter, a costimulatory molecule on T cells, in juvenile SLE (JSLE), and compared this to that found in controls and the literature of adult SLE patients.

Methods

DNA methylation status was evaluated on peripheral blood from JSLE patients and healthy controls.

Results

Twenty-five patients with JSLE and 24 healthy controls were compared. JSLE patients had lower unmethylated CpG islands compared to the control group (mean ± SD; 0.78 ± 0.42 vs 10503.80 ± 39796.95). However, the difference was not significant (P-value; 0.22).

Conclusion

Despite hypomethylation of CD70 gene promoter in CD4+ T-cells from adult patients with SLE, no statistically significant differences observed in patients with JSLE compared with healthy controls. This may suggest a mechanism different in JSLE patients than in adults.

Keywords:

• epigenetics
• autoimmunity
• TNFSF7
• immunology
• rheumatology

Disclosure statement

Authors approve that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical standards

Protocol of this case-control study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Written consent was obtained from all participants as well.

Additional information

Funding

We would like to appreciate Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services for support of this study (grant number 96-02-154-35643).