Introduction:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease influencing numerus tissues in body. Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 27 (USP27X) is a deubiquitinating enzyme involved in the type I interferons (IFNs) generation, apoptosis and production of proinflammatory mediators. DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked (DDX3X) is a ribonucleic acid (RNA) helicases and contributes to the generation of type I IFNs, and proinflammatory mediators. Considering the involvement of IFN type I, apoptotic cell death and proinflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of SLE, the expression levels of USP27X and DDX3X genes were assessed in SLE patients.

Methods:

Two groups, including SLE patients and healthy subjects, were included in the study and the expression levels of USP27X and DDX3X genes in their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were quantified by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:

The results demonstrated the expression level of DDX3X gene was 5.9-fold higher in the SLE patients compared to the healthy subjects (P < .01). No significant difference in the expression level of USP27X gene was detected between both groups (P > .05).

Conclusion:

A significant elevation in the level of DDX3X gene in SLE patients prepossess the potential involvement of DDX3X in SLE pathogenesis possibly through the induction of proinflammatory mediators. In spite of the potential involvement of USP27X in SLE through the induction of type 1 IFNs, and apoptotic cell death, our finding did not provide evidence in the contribution of USP27X in SLE pathogenesis.

Search results

Assessment of the Expression Levels of USP27X and DDX3X genes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Patients