Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-2 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients as a Marker of Lupus Nephritis Disease

Background: One of the members of Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein family is IGFBP-2 that binds to the Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) receptors to regulate IGF biological activities. In nephrotic syndrome IGFBP-2 has also been reported to be increased in children and IGFBP-2 considers as predictor for longitudinal deterioration of kidney function in Type 2 Diabetes. The aim of the work was to assess insulin like growth factor binding protein-2 as a marker for activity of lupus nephritis.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 80 subjects and was divided on: Group1: 60 patients with Systemic lupus erythematosus which were subdivided into: (a) 40 Systemic lupus patients with nephritis. (b) 20 Systemic lupus patients without nephritis. Group 2: 20 healthy persons as control (Healthy controls).

Results: there were statistically significant difference in ILGRFBPs2 P1, P2 while P3 was insignificant, Regarding the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDI) score, there was significant difference between group IA and IB while statistically significant positive correlation between ILGFBPs2 and renal SLEDI score. Regarding ILGFBPs2, Anti-ds DNA Ab titer, renal biopsy classes and activity index, there was a statistically significant positive correlation. Regarding chronicity index and renal SLEDI score, there was insignificant correlation.

Conclusion: Serum IGFBP‐2 is a promising biomarker for lupus nephritis, reflecting disease activity and chronicity changes in renal pathology.