A new study found higher serum levels, specifically S100A8/A9, and not significantly MMP-9, in the blood, are associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in those with Systemic Lupus Erythematous. S100A8/A9 is a protein complex found in the blood that’s secreted by activated myeloid cells and plays a key role in chronicinflammatory disease activity. MMP-9 is an enzyme involved in inflammation, tissue repair, and immune response.
CI is one of the most common neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) syndromes, and symptoms in areas of thinking can include decline in memory, processing speed, attention and planning abilities. Even though cognitive challenges are prevalent in those with lupus, the immunologic mechanisms that may cause CI are still not well understood. Previous research that has specifically targeted CI in those with SLE has been limited due to small sample sizes.
The study aimed to understand the associations between serum changes and cognitive status changes. The study consisted of 112 subjects with SLE whose cognitive function was assessed using the American College of Rheumatology-Neuropsychological Battery (ACR-NB). This defined CI as impairment in two or more domains, which included manual motor speed, simple attention and processing speed, executive functioning, verbal fluency, visual spatial construction, and learning and memory. Blood levels of S100A8/A9 and MMP-9 were measured by ELISA, an assay used to quantify proteins in serum. Researchers then compared serum levels between subjects with and without CI, looking at cognitive performance from the start of the year to one year later.
Findings revealed that there were higher serum concentrations of S100A8/A9 levels seen in SLE subjects with CI, compared to those without CI. It was also found that MM-9 levels did not significantly differ between groups but were positively correlated with S100A8/A9 levels. Results suggest that MMP-9 may be linked to CI indirectly by its correlation with S100A8/A9, although it was not independently associated.
This study highlights the potential role of blood serum level S100A8/A9 in the development of CI in adult SLE individuals, however further research is needed to confirm this association and understand the underlying mechanisms. Learn more about lupus and cognitive symptoms.
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