ObjectiveThe significance of anti-dense fine speckles 70 (DFS70) antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is Dessert Rolls still unclear, especially in lupus nephritis (LN) patients.We investigated the prevalence, clinical and pathological relevance of anti-DFS70 antibodies in LN patients.MethodsAnti-DFS70 antibodies were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 377 biopsy-proven LN patients, 268 non-LN SLE patients, 232 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and 78 healthy individuals (HI).Demographic, clinical, and pathological parameters were compared between LN patients with and without anti-DFS70 antibodies.Stepwise multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify covariates associated with anti-DFS70 antibodies.
ResultsThe prevalence of anti-DFS70 antibodies in LN (19.6%) was comparable to non-LN SLE patients (19.8%, P=0.9630), but was significantly higher than CKD patients (13.4%, P=0.
0468) and HI (9.0%, P=0.0252).Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, the titer of anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies (adjusted odds ratio=1.002, 95% confidence interval 1.
001-1.003, P=0.004) was associated with positive anti-DFS70 antibodies in LN patients.In addition, anti-DFS70 antibodies were more prevalent in proliferative LN (22.0%, 68/309) compared to membrane LN patients (10.
2%, 6/59, P=0.0376).Furthermore, LN patients with positive anti-DFS70 antibodies had significantly higher activity index (AI) compared to patients who were negative (8.0 vs 6.0, P=0.
0131).However, the chronicity index was similar between the groups (3.0 vs 3.0, P=0.8412).
ConclusionAnti-DFS70 antibodies were not associated with LN development in SLE patients but were associated with anti-dsDNA antibodies, proliferative LN, and Decanter renal AI.This suggests their potential to serve as a non-histological biomarker for LN subclass and activity status.