PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Lambers, Wietske M.
AU  - Westra, Johanna
AU  - Bootsma, Hendrika
AU  - de Leeuw, Karina
TI  - Hydroxychloroquine Suppresses Interferon-inducible Genes and B Cell Activating Factor in Patients With Incomplete and New-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
AID  - 10.3899/jrheum.200726
DP  - 2021 Jun 01
TA  - The Journal of Rheumatology
PG  - 847--851
VI  - 48
IP  - 6
4099  - http://www.jrheum.org/content/48/6/847.short
4100  - http://www.jrheum.org/content/48/6/847.full
SO  - J Rheumatol2021 Jun 01; 48
AB  - Objective. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is commonly used as first-line treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Interferon (IFN)-inducible gene expression, IFN-γ–induced protein 10 (IP-10) and B cell activating factor (BAFF) are early mediators in SLE. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of HCQ on these factors.Methods. Patients with incomplete SLE (iSLE; antinuclear antibody titer ≥ 1:80, symptoms < 5 years, ≥ 1 objectified clinical American College of Rheumatology or SLE International Collaborating Clinics criteria), or new-onset, mild SLE were included when HCQ treatment was started for clinical reasons. Blood samples were taken at start and after 16 weeks. Three SLE-related IFN-inducible genes were measured in whole blood by real-time PCR, and an IFN score was calculated. Serum levels of IP-10 and BAFF were measured using ELISA.Results. In total, 9 patients were included: 7 with iSLE and 2 with new-onset SLE. The median SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) was 4. After 16 weeks of treatment with HCQ, the expression of IFN-inducible genes decreased in 8 of 9 patients, and the IFN-3 score decreased significantly (P = 0.012). There was a trend towards lower IP-10 levels (P = 0.055), and a significant decrease in BAFF levels (P = 0.023).Conclusion. HCQ suppresses IFN score and BAFF levels in patients with iSLE or new-onset SLE, and there is a trend towards lowering IP-10 levels. As these biomarkers are early mediators in SLE, this might support the hypothesis that HCQ could influence disease progression. However, prospective research with a larger sample size and longer follow-up is needed.