Elevated Serum Levels of CTRP-6 and Asprosin in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Association with Oxidative Stress Markers and Clinical Manifestations.

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects multiple organ systems. The resulting inflammation disrupts adipocyte metabolism, thereby altering the levels of adipokines.

Objective: To assess e serum levels of Asprosin and CTRP-6 as novel adipokines in SLE patients compared to controls, and their association with lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, and clinical parameters.

Methods: This case-control study involved 41 SLE patients and 41 healthy controls. Serum CTRP-6 and Asprosin levels were measured using ELISA, while total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde levels were measured using a colorimetric assay.

Results: The mean serum CTRP-6 level was significantly higher in individuals with SLE (1.08±0.32) compared to healthy subjects (0.82 0.21; P<0.001). Similarly, the serum level of Asprosin was elevated in patients with SLE (11.91 ± 3.09) compared to the control group (10.28 ± 2.09; P < 0.001). In contrast, the TAC level was lower in subjects with SLE than in healthy controls (0.18±0.23, 0.19 0.51 respectively; p<0.001). Additionally, the serum level of Asprosin was significantly reduced in SLE patients with nephritis (10.17 ± 3.55) compared to those without nephritis (12.4 ± 2.75; p = 0.005).

Conclusion: Elevated levels of Asprosin and CTRP-6 suggest a potential role for these adipokines in SLE pathogenesis. Moreover, the presence of nephritis in SLE patients was associated with reduced plasma levels of Asprosin.