Longitudinal evaluation of microstructural cerebral changes evaluated through MRI spectroscopy, pro-inflammatory cytokines and neuronal markers in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with multisystemic involvement. The disease is characterized by periods of activities and remission. It affects predominantly patients between 20-40 years, but around 20% of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age are affected. Central nervous system involvement is frequent and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) such as proton spectroscopy (ERM) in patients with SLE may reveal metabolic tissue changes associated with disease activity, manifestations of the central nervous system (CNS) and use of corticosteroids. Previous studies from our group have shown a significant reduction in the N-acetyl-aspartate / Creatine and Lactate / Creatin ratio, as well as a significant increase in Choline / Creatine in patients with Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and observed that axonal damage associated different neuropsychiatric manifestations when compared to healthy controls. There is strong evidence supporting the role of cytokines and neuronal markers in Neuropsychiatric Lupus activity. The present study aims to investigate, through a longitudinal study, whether these functional MRI changes are associated with changes in the serum levels of Th1, Th2 cytokines, neuronal markers, clinical manifestations, laboratory and treatment in patients with SLE and SLE and compare the findings of these patients with the control group. (AU)