Analysis of the serum 25(OH)D3 level and its correlation with immunological indexes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Objective

To analysis the impact of 25(OH)D3 on immune function in patients with Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and elucidate its correlation with immunological indexes.

Methods

A total of 158 newly diagnosed SLE patients admitted to the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of the hospital from January 2022 to January 2024 were collected. 25(OH)D3, immunoglobulin IgA, IgG, IgM, complement C3 and C4,CD3⁺T cells, CD4⁺T cells, CD8⁺T cells and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ were detected. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) and ENA antibody spectrum were identified; Clinical data of patients were collected. We separated the SLE group into three groups based on the levels of 25(OH)D3: deficient, insufficient, and sufficient. The clinical symptoms, immunological indexes, and autoantibodies of SLE patients across several groups were compared, and the association between the levels of 25(OH)D3 and immunological indexes was investigated.

Results

The levels of IgA, IgG, and CD8⁺T lymphocytes in patients with SLE were higher compared to those in the healthy control group. The incidence of lupus nephritis, anemia, and arthritis, as well as the positive rate of anti-Sm antibody, was greater in the 25(OH) D3-deficient group compared to the 25(OH) D3-insufficient and sufficient groups. In individuals with SLE, 25(OH)D3 had a positive cor- relation with C3、while showing a negative correlation with IgG, CD8⁺T cells.

Conclusion

25(OH)D3 is typically insufficient in patients with SLE. Deficiency of 25(OH)D3 impacts the immune system of patients with SLE; such as lupus nephritis, anemia, and arthritis signify an elevated risk of vitamin D deficiency, requiring clinical consideration.