Association of Anti-KU Antibodies with Clinical Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.

Authors

1 Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt

2 Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Sohag General Hospital

Abstract

Background: Ku is a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-binding protein involved in DNA repair, which plays a crucial function in repairing dsDNA breaks via the NHJ pathway. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects the kidney, lung, skin, nervous system, musculoskeletal system & organs of the body. Objectives: This work aimed to determine the relationship between positive anti-Ku antibodies in SLE cases and specific SLE manifestations. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study involved 77 cases of both genders aged 17 - 60 years, both genders with SLE, or those with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis in the presence of ANA or anti-dsDNA antibodies. All patients were subjected to anti-KU antibody measurement. Results: The relationship between anti-KU antibody and SLE manifestation, such as malar rash, photosensitivity, discoid lupus erythematosus rash, alopecia, Raynaud's phenomenon, oral and nasal ulcer, serositis, and myositis was significantly higher in positive anti-KU antibody SLE patients than those who were negative. Conclusions: Anti-Ku antibodies are often found in conjunction with other markers in many SLE manifestations, making it an appropriate method for diagnosis and follow-up cases. 

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