These autoantibodies, including ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, and anti-U1RNP, not only are the consequence of disorders of immune system but also are aggravating the disease. can attract and present autoantigens to T cells through special immunoglobulins on their surfaces. Abnormalities like dysfunction of T and B cells, proliferation of B cells, and dominance of T helper (Th) 2 cells are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. In the mean time, multiple cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-< 0.05. All statistical assessments were two-sided. Quinapril hydrochloride 3. Results 3.1. Demographical and Clinical Data This research involved 138 SLE patients in which 18 were males and 120 were females; they were from 16 to 52 years old, on average 30.51 8.58 years old; their education varied from 5 to 19 years, on average 11.65 3.47 years. 138 HCs were matched by age and sex, and their education varied from IKK-gamma antibody 6 to 20 years, on average 15.13 2.75 years. Their education level was comparable (> 0.05). 3.2. Autoantibody Levels in SLE Patients Several autoantibodies were detected in SLE patients. All patients were ANA positive. There were 75 patients (54.3%) with positive anti-double stranded (ds) DNA antibody; 80 patients (57.9%) with positive anti-Sm antibody; 68 patients (49.2%) with positive anti-nucleosome antibody; 41 patients (29.0%) with positive anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) antibody; 79 patients (57.2%) with positive anti-histone antibody; 59 patients (42.7%) with positive anti-ribosomal P0 antibody; 62 patients (44.9%) with positive anti-SSA 52?kD antibody; 89 patients (64.5%) with positive anti-SSA 60?kD antibody; 39 patients (28.2%) with positive anti-SSB antibody. 3.3. Hardy-Weinberg Genetic Equilibrium Test The 5-HTTLPR genotype frequency of both the SLE patients and HCs was consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. 3.4. 5-HTTLPR Genotypes in SLE Patients and HCs The frequency of SS genotype was 58.7% in SLE patients and 49.3% in HCs, while the frequency of LL was 7.2% in SLE patients and 10.1% in HCs; thus, the frequency of LS was 34.1% and 40.6% in each group (= 0.274) (see Physique 1(a)). The frequency Quinapril hydrochloride of S allele was 75.7% and 69.6% in SLE patients and HCs, respectively, while the L allele was 24.3% and 30.4% in corresponding groups (= 0.105) (see Figure 1(b)). Both genotypes and alleles were not significantly different between the SLE patients and HCs (> 0.05). Open in a separate windows Physique 1 5-HTTLPR genotypes in SLE patients and HCs. (a) The frequency of 5-HTTLPR genotypes in HCs and SLE patients; (b) the frequency of 5-HTTLPR alleles in HCs and SLE patients. (c) The frequency of SS genotype was significantly higher than LL/LS genotype in SLE patients with positive anti-Sm antibody; (d) the frequency of SS genotype was significantly higher than LL/LS genotype in SLE patients with positive anti-U1RNP antibody; (e) the frequency of S allele was significantly Quinapril hydrochloride higher in SLE patients with positive anti-U1RNP antibody; (f) the frequency of SS genotype was significantly higher than the other 2 genotypes in SLE patients with positive anti-Sm antibody. In SLE patients with positive anti-Sm antibody, the frequency of SS genotype was significantly higher than LL/LS genotype (= 0.014, OR = 2.385, 95% CI 1.188C4.785) (see Figure 1(c)); the same result was also found in SLE patients with positive anti-U1RNP antibody (= 0.025, OR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.108C5.461) (see Physique 1(d)). In patients with all the other antibodies, no significant differences were found. In SLE patients with positive anti-U1RNP antibody, the frequency of S allele was significantly higher than L allele (= 0.015, OR = 2.308, 95% CI 1.161C4.591) (see Physique 1(e)). In patients with all the other antibodies, no significant differences were found. In SLE patients with positive anti-Sm antibody, the frequency of SS genotype was significantly higher than the other 2 genotypes (= 0.028) (see Figure 1(f)). In patients with all the other antibodies, no significant differences were found. 4. Conversation 5-HT is usually considered as a typical neurotransmitter. It also plays a regulatory role in the immune system. 95%.