Role of Visfatin in the Activity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by multisystem involvement, several markers exist for SLE diagnosis but there is continuous search for new biomarkers. Visfatin is an adipokine which has insulin-mimetic effects in cultured cells and lowered plasma glucose levels in mice; it is also pro-inflammatory and may have a role in autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of visfatin as a new biomarker of lupus activity. Material and Methods: The present study included 40 patients with active SLE, all were females, The activity of SLE was calculated according to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index SLEDAI, they were compared with 40 age and sex matched controls, Visfatin level was measured in serum by enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay. Results: Visfatin level was significantly higher in SLE patients than controls, it showed significant positive correlation with total score of SLEDAI. It showed significant positive correlation with fasting blood sugar, urea, creatinine, 24 hours urinary proteins, and ESR, and significant negative correlation with C3 and C4. Conclusion: Visfatin may be considered as new biomarker of lupus activity, especially lupus nephritis.