Decreased serum level of soluble-leptin-receptor in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: There is some evidence suggesting that leptin and its negative regulator, soluble-leptin-receptor (SLR) may be able to influence inflammatory and autoimmune processes. Methods: In this study, several variables including socio-demographics, health-related habits, depression score, serum molecules and blood parameters besides the SLR level were evaluated in patients with SLE (SLE-patients) and healthy controls. Results: The patients had significantly lower SLR level and higher depression score than the controls and both of these variables have a significant association with the occurrence of disease in logistic regression model. Moreover, the results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that patients' SLR level was negatively correlated with their weights and BDI scores. Conclusion: For the first time, this study indicated a lower level of SLR in SLE-patients and suggested that lower concentrations of SLR in these patients may be implicated in the pathogenesis of SLE.