RESEARCH - Neurolupus is associated with anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies

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J Autoimmun. 2009 Mar;32(2):79-84. Epub 2009 Jan 25.

Neurolupus is associated with anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies: an

inception cohort study.

i C, Lucchetta M, Ghirardello A, Toffanin E, Zampieri S, Ruggero

S, Scarlato M, Quattrini A, Bassi N, Ermani M, Battistin L, Doria A.

Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.

OBJECTIVE: Serum IgG antibodies (Abs) to phosphorylated ribosomal (P

ribosomal) proteins have been inconsistently associated with

neuropsychiatric manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Our aim was to assess whether serum IgG Abs to ribosomal P proteins

are associated with neuropsychiatric SLE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We examined an inception cohort of 219 SLE

patients. Neuropsychiatric SLE manifestations were characterized using

the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) definition. Serum Abs to P

ribosomal proteins were searched for by immunoblotting. In a subgroup

of patients, Abs were investigated also in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

RESULTS: Abs to P ribosomal proteins were detected in 45 (21%)

patients, 23 of whom (51%) with neuropsychiatric involvement. Abs to P

ribosomal protein were present both in serum and CSF. Abs to P

ribosomal proteins significantly correlated with psychosis (p=0.017),

mononeuropathy multiplex (p=0.040), malar rash (p=0.004), serum

anti-Sm Abs (p=0.042), and lupus anticoagulant (p=0.036). SLE onset

age was significantly younger in patients with Abs to P ribosomal

proteins. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the relationship

between Abs to P ribosomal proteins and psychosis, malar rash, SLE

onset age and lupus anticoagulant.

CONCLUSIONS: Abs to ribosomal P proteins are associated with psychosis

and might be associated with peripheral nervous system complications.

PMID: 19171463

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19171463

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