Mannose-binding lectin and susceptibility to infection in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Mo Yin Mok, W. K.Eddie Ip, Chak Sing Lau, Yi Lo, Wilfred H.S. Wong, Yu Lung Lau

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective. To test the hypothesis that low serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels, as a result of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region (-221 X/Y) and exon 1 (codon 54 A/B) of the MBL2 gene, predispose to infection in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. Two hundred forty-five patients with SLE were prospectively followed for the development of major infective episodes that required hospitalization and antibiotic treatment during 1992-2005. MBL genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and serum MBL levels were measured by ELISA. Results. In total, 254 major infections developed in 130 patients. Serum MBL levels were shown to correlate inversely with the number of bacterial infections (r = -0.13, p = 0.03). The distribution of MBL genotypes was similar in patients with and without major infection (p = 0.84). Patients with major infection also had more major lupus exacerbations that required daily prednisolone dose ≥ 15 mg. Logistic regression showed that log MBL level (odds ratio 0.516, 95% confidence interval 0.305-0.873; p = 0.01) and major lupus exacerbation (OR 1.382, 95% CI 1.154-1.654; p < 0.001) were independent risk factors to major bacterial infection after adjustment for age and disease duration. Multiple regression analysis showed an increase in risk of bacterial infection by 34.2% for every decrease in serum MBL level by one log, and by 22.8% for each increase in number of major lupus exacerbations. Conclusion. Low serum MBL level predisposes Chinese patients with SLE to more major infections, in particular bacterial ones.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1270-1276
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Rheumatology
Volume34
Issue number6
StatePublished - Jun 2007

Keywords

  • Complement deficiency
  • Hospitalization
  • Immunocompromised host
  • Immunosuppressant
  • Infection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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