%0 Journal Article
%T Long noncoding RNAs (CTC-471J1.2, NeST) as epigenetic risk factors of active juvenile lupus nephritis: a case-control study.
%A Zedan MM
%A Sobh A
%A Magdy A
%A Korkor MS
%A Attia ZR
%A Khaled N
%A Sadeq Y
%A El-Nagdy AH
%A Taha AE
%A Noureldin MA
%A Taman M
%A Mosa DM
%A Elnagdy MH
%J Pediatr Rheumatol Online J
%V 22
%N 1
%D 2024 Apr 27
%M 38678299
%F 3.413
%R 10.1186/s12969-023-00945-1
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Measurement of the circulating levels of long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in lupus nephritis (LN) patients could dramatically explore more insights about the disease pathogenesis. Hence, we aimed to quantify the level of expression of CTC-471J1.2 and NeST in LN patients and to correlate it with the disease activity.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This case-control study was conducted on a group of children with juvenile LN attending to Mansoura University Children's Hospital (MUCH). Demographics, clinical, and laboratory findings were collected besides the measurement of lncRNAs by quantitative real-time PCR.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>The expression level of lncRNAs-CTC-471J1.2 was significantly down-regulated in children with active LN versus inactive cases or controls. In contrast, the NeST was significantly up-regulated in active LN cases. A significant correlation was found between CTC-471J1.2 expression and LN activity parameters. Additionally, both lncRNAs showed a reasonable sensitivity and specificity in differentiation of active LN. A regression analysis model revealed that CTC-471J1.2 and NeST were independent predictors of active nephritis.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>The expression level of circulatory lncRNAs-CTC-471J1.2 and NeST can be used as sensitive and specific biomarkers for active LN. Furthermore, both could serve as predictors for nephritis activity.