Orientador: Simone Appenzeller / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-25T13:41:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Barbosa_Renata_M.pdf: 1172344 bytes, checksum: 3fc9e9d779a4b94077d1d56223dc0d79 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: O nosso objetivo foi determinar a prevalência de atrofia hipocampal no lúpus eritematoso sistêmico juvenil (LESj) determinando a volumetria hipocampal por ressonância magnética e avaliar a possível relação entre atrofia hipocampal e fatores associados. Todos os pacientes com quatro ou mais critérios classificatórios de LES seguidos no ambulatório de reumatologia pediátrica com início da doença até aos 18 anos foram incluídos. Uma análise clínica e neurológica foi realizada de acordo com os critérios classificatórios do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia. Dados laboratoriais e de tratamento foram obtidos através da revisão criteriosa dos prontuários clínicos. Observamos que os volumes hipocampais dos nossos pacientes foram significativamente menores quando comparados aos volumes hipocampais dos nossos controles (p<0,001). A atrofia hipocampal foi identificada em 25 pacientes (34,72%) e no grupo controle 1 indivíduo (1,38%) apresentou atrofia hipocampal direita. A esclerose hipocampal esteve presente em 1(4%) paciente e o hipersinal em 13 (52%) pacientes. Em relação ao tratamento medicamentoso a atrofia hipocampal no LESj esteve associada ao uso de corticosteroides (p= 0,008), micofenolato mofetil (p=0,012), ciclosporina (p=0,018) e ciclosfosfamida (p=0,037). A idade de início da doença (p= 0,038) e dano cumulativo (p= 0,040) também se mostraram associados. Quanto à análise de dados laboratoriais, apenas o anticoagulante lúpico (p= 0,017) e a diminuição do complemento (p= 0,018) se mostraram associados. A esclerose hipocampal apresentou relação com pulso metilprednisolona no início da doença (p=0,023), ciclofosfamida (p=0,023) e com a função cognitiva organização perceptual, planejamento e praxia (p< 0,001). O hipersinal demonstrou associação com atrofia hipocampal (p=0,024), volume hipocampal direito (p=0,024), volume hipocampal esquerdo (p=0,007), no entanto a presença de hipersinal no hipocampo esquerdo apresentou associação apenas com a dose total de corticosteróides (p=0,034). Em relação aos domínios cognitivos, o raciocínio espacial apresentou uma correlação inversa com o volume hipocampal esquerdo (p=0,041; r= -0,281). A memória visográfica apresentou uma correlação direta com o volume hipocampal direito (p=0,042; r= 0,281). A velocidade de processamento associou-se com atrofia hipocampal (p=0,026). O raciocínio temporal demonstrou uma associação com atrofia hipocampal direita (p=0,015), atrofia hipocampal bilateral (p=0,012), e uma correlação inversa com o volume hipocampal direito (p=0,008; r= - 0,359) e volume hipocampal esquerdo (p=0,003; r= -0,400). A atrofia hipocampal é frequente no LESj. A idade de início da doença, tratamento medicamentoso e anticorpos antifosfolípides estão associados à sua ocorrência / Abstract: Our aimed was to determine the prevalence of hippocampal atrophy in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) using manual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetric measurements and to evaluate the possible relationship between hippocampal atrophy and associated factors. All patients with four or more classification criteria for SLE, followed at the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit with diagnosis up to 18 years old was included. A clinical analysis and neurological evaluation was analyzed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria. Laboratory and treatment features were obtained through a review of clinical records. We observed that the hippocampal volumes of our patients were significantly smaller when compared hippocampal volumes to our controls (p <0.001). Hippocampal atrophy was identified in 25 patients (34.72%) and 1 (1.38%) control at the right hippocampus atrophy. Hippocampal sclerosis was present in 1 (4%) and increased signal in 13 (52%) patients. In relation to drug treatment in cSLE hippocampal atrophy was associated with the use of corticosteroids (p=0.008), mycophenolate mofetil (p=0.012), cyclosporine (p=0.018) e cyclophosphamide (p=0.037).The age of onset (p= 0.038) and cumulative damage (p= 0.040) were also associated. However the analysis of laboratory features, only lupus anticoagulant (p=0.017) and decreased complement (p=0.018) were associated. Hippocampal sclerosis showed relation with pulse methylprednisolone at disease onset (p=0.023), cyclophosphamide (p = 0.023) and cognitive function perceptual organization, planning and praxis (p <0.001). Increased signal showed association with hippocampal atrophy (p=0.024), right hippocampal volume (p=0.024), left hippocampal volume (p = 0.007). However presence of increased signal in the left hippocampus was associated with total corticosteroid dose (p=0.034). Considering cognitive domains, spatial reasoning showed inverse correlation with left hippocampal volume (p = 0.041, r = -0.281). Visografica memory showed a direct correlation with the right hippocampal volume (p= 0.042, r = 0.281). Processing speed is associated with hippocampal atrophy (p = 0.026). Temporal reasoning demonstrated an association with right hippocampal atrophy (p = 0.015), bilateral atrophy (p = 0.012) and inverse correlation with right hippocampal volume (p=0.008, r= -0.359) and left hippocampal volume (p = 0.003, r = -0.400). Hippocampal atrophy is prevalent in cSLE. The age of onset of disease, drug treatment and antiphospholipid antibodies are associated / Mestrado / Saude da Criança e do Adolescente / Mestra em Ciências

Orientador: Simone Appenzeller / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-23T02:14:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Lapa_AlineTamires_M.pdf: 2736549 bytes, checksum: fab0371aaab88fe1695c8b704d1ee484 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Resumo: O Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (LES) é uma doença autoimune e multissistêmica. Cerca de 15-20% dos pacientes com LES desenvolve a doença ainda na infância e adolescência. O comprometimento do sistema nervoso central (SNC) é freqüente. No entanto, muitas vezes, se observa uma dissociação entre a clínica e os achados em neuroimagem. Alguns biomarcadores associados à lesão neuronal têm sido relacionados ao LES neuropsiquiátrico, mas seus papéis na patogênese e sua validade e aplicabilidade clínica não tem sido muito estudado em pacientes LESj. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de manifestações neuropsiquiátricas (NP) no LESj, analisarem a prevalência de alterações estruturais e lesões de substância branca em imagens de ressonância magnética (RM); além de determinar se S100B e NF-H podem estar associados a alterações estruturais e lesão de substância branca, em pacientes com LESj e controles. Método: Foram incluídos pacientes com LESj e controloes pareados. Manifestações clínicas, laboratoriais e medicação em uso foram avaliadas. A atividade da doença foi analisada através do SLEDAI (SLE Disease Activity Index) e o dano cumulativo foi analisado através do SDI (Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index). Os transtornos de humor foram determinados através dos inventários de Depressão (BDI) e Ansiedade (BAI) de Beck e os distúrbios cognitivos foram avaliados pelo teste de inteligência Wechsler de acordo com a idade. As manifestações NP foram analisadas através da revisão de prontuários médicos. Foram consideradas manifestações neuropsiquiátricas presentes no inicio da doença quando ocorreram nos primeiros seis meses de doença e na evolução, quando ocorreram após este período. Pacientes e controles foram submetidos ao exame de 9 RM. A dosagem dos marcadores foi realizada por ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay. Resultados: No estudo retrospectivo foram incluídos 71 pacientes, no estudo transversal foram incluídos 51 pacientes. Nos dois estudos foram incluídos pacientes com LESj. Observamos que no início da doença as manifestações NP estavam presentes em 49 (69,01%) pacientes e na evolução em 56 (78,87%) pacientes. As lesões da substância branca foram identificadas em 44 (86%) pacientes e em 4 (8%) controles (p<0,001). Tanto o número (número = 1029 vs número = 44) quanto o volume das lesões (volume = 35796,458 vs volume = 1870,559 mm³) foi significativamente maior em pacientes com LESj do que nos controles (p <0,001). A atrofia do corpo caloso foi identificada em seis (11,76%) (p=0,005) e atrofia do volume cerebral foi identificada em 7 (13,72%) pacientes e nenhum controle. Dez (19,61%) pacientes tinham volume ventricular aumentado. Os níveis séricos de S100? e NF-H estavam aumentados em pacientes com LESj (148,98pg/mL±102,73; 101,80pg/mL±89,40 respectivamente) quando comparados aos controles (48,10pg/mL±38,52; 57,12pg/mL±13,28 respectivamente) (p<0,001; p=0,038 respectivamente). Conclusão: As manifestações NP e as lesões de substância branca são frequentes em pacientes com LESj. Volume do corpo caloso e volume cerebral em pacientes são significativamente menores do que os controles e o volume dos ventrículos foi significativamente maior nos pacientes comparados aos controles, isso mostra que os pacientes apresentam atrofia cerebral. Os níveis séricos de S100? e NF-H estão aumentados em pacientes LESj, indicando lesão neuronal / Abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease and multisystem. About 15-20% of SLE patients develop the disease in childhood and adolescence. The involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) is frequent. However, often it is observed a dissociation between clinical and neuroimaging findings. Some biomarkers associated with neuronal injury have been associated with neuropsychiatric SLE, but their roles in the pathogenesis and its validity and clinical applicability has not been studied in patients cSLE. Objective: To determine the prevalence of neuropsychiatric (NP) manifestations in SLE analyze the prevalence of structural changes and white matter lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in addition to determining whether S100B and NF- H may be associated with structural changes and white matter lesion in JSLE patients and controls. Methods: Clinical, laboratory and medication use were assessed. Disease activity was assessed by SLEDAI (SLE Disease Activity Index) and the cumulative damage was analyzed by SDI (Lupus International Collaborating Clinics / American College of Rheumatology Damage Index). Mood disorders were determined through the Depression inventory (BDI) and anxiety (BAI) and Beck's cognitive disturbances were assessed by the Wechsler intelligence test according to age. The NP manifestations were analyzed by reviewing medical records. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were considered present early in the illness when they occurred in the first six months of disease and evolution, as occurred after this period. Patients and controls underwent MRI. The dosage of the markers was performed by ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay. Results: 71 patients were included in the retrospective study and 51 patients were included in cross-sectional study. 11 Both studies included patients with cSLE. Observed that early in the disease manifestations were NP present in 49 (69.01%) patients and progress in 56 (78.87%) patients.'s white matter lesions were identified in 44 (86%) patients and in 4 (8%) controls (p <0.001 ). Both the number (1029 vs number = 44) and volume of lesions (volume = volume = 1870.559 35796.458 vs mm ³) was significantly higher in patients with cSLE than in controls (p <0.001). atrophy of corpus callosum was identified in six cases (11.76%) (p = 0.005) and atrophy of brain volume was found in 7 (13.72%) and no control. Ten (19.61%) patients had a volume ventricular increased. Serum S100B and NF-H were increased in JSLE (148.98 ± 102.73pg/mL; 101.80 ± 89.40 pg/mL respectively) when compared to controls (48.10 ± 38.52 pg/mL; 57.12 ± 13.28 pg/mL respectively) (p<0.001; p=0.038 respectively). Conclusion: According to our results, the NP manifestations and white matter lesions are frequent in patients with JSLE. Corps callosum and brain volume in patients are significantly lower than the controls and the ventricle volume was significantly higher in patients compared to controls, indicating cerebral atrophy. Serum S100? and NF-H are increased in patients cSLE, indicating injury neuronal / Mestrado / Pediatria / Mestra em Ciências

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that cause various inflammatory conditions in the body. The pathogenesis of this disease is yet unknown, and the diversity within the patients bring on major obstacle to clinical research for specific diagnostic markers. As a biomarker of SLE, both Interferon Regulatory Factor-5 (IRF5) and Microparticles (MP) have been suggested. Recently a study demonstrated higher concentration of IRF5+ MP in a small number of SLE patients compared to controls.  Aim: The purpose of this study was to validate and analyze IRF5+ MPs in a larger number of SLE patients and compare the results to known SLE subgroup based on IRF5 concentration.  Materials and methods: Totally 50 plasma samples from a larger cohort of SLE-patients (n=35) was analyzed together with population-based controls(n=15). Three different antibodies (in-house and commercial) were used for detection of IRF5+ MP with flow cytometry. Students t-test was used to investigate significant differences between SLE subgroup, controls and compared to the previous values. Results and Conclusion: The concentration of IRF5+ MP in SLE subgroup was significantly higher compared to controls (p&lt;0,05). However, there were no correlations between our results and the values from the previous study, suggesting that both methods measure various forms of IRF5. These results imply that IRF5+ MP could be a possible biomarker for pathogenesis in SLE, but further studies are needed for a better understanding of IRF5, as well as of MP.

Introdução: As infecções pelo papiloma vírus (HPV), geralmente são assintomáticas e transitórias, porém, em indivíduos com doenças autoimune, onde há um comprometimento da imunidade causado por mecanismo inerentes a própria doença e pelo tratamento com drogas imunossupressoras, o risco destas infecções evoluírem para lesões metaplásicas e neoplásicas é alto. A forma mais eficiente de prevenção deste tipo de desfecho é a vacinação contra HPV. Assim, a indicação desta vacina seria fundamental para a proteção destes pacientes, porém, devido aos fatores citados, pressupõem-se que a resposta poderia ser menos eficiente. Objetivo: Avaliar a imunogenicidade da vacina contra HPV quadrivalente em pacientes com Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico Juvenil (LESJ) e Dermatomiosite juvenil (DMJ). Métodos: Estudo prospectivo de intervenção multicêntrico, onde foram incluídas 328 meninas e adolescentes (9-20 anos) em 13 centros oriundos de diferentes regiões do Brasil. Porém apenas 246 indivíduos preencheram os critérios de inclusão. O protocolo do estudo previa a aplicação de 3 doses da vacina (0,2 e 6 meses). Os grupos foram divididos em: Grupo A (paciente 206 portadoras de LESJ); Grupo B (pacientes 40 portadoras de DMJ); Grupo C (controle 41 indivíduos saudáveis). A avaliação sorológica foi realizada nos momentos 0, 3, 7 e 12 meses do início do estudo e para mensurar os níveis de anticorpos produzidos para subtipos HPV 16 e HPV18 foi utilizado o imunoensaio Luminex. Foram considerados respondedoras as pacientes ou controles que apresentassem anti-HPV 16 acima do cutt-off= 9 mMU/ml e para antiHPV 18 acima de 13 mMU/ml. Resultados: 246 meninas e adolescentes completaram o protocolo do estudo, sendo 206 pacientes do grupo A, 40 pacientes do grupo B e 41 controles grupo C. Ao todo tivemos 39 indivíduos que não responderam a vacina, sendo 23 do grupo A,8 grupo B e 8 grupo C. E 82 descontinuidades do estudo por motivos diversos como: receio a reações a vacina, mudança de cidade, gravidez e óbito. Na análises comparativas feitas entre os grupos. Não foi observado nenhum fator de risco que influenciou na não resposta a vacina dentre as variáveis consideradas: faixa etária (9-13, 14- 20 anos), número de doses (2 ou 3), tipo e atividade da doença de base, além das várias drogas utilizadas no tratamento, analisadas individual e em associações. Conclusão: A vacinação contra HPV parece ser imunogênica para o grupo de pacientes com LESJ ou DMJ, porém parte delas apresentam uma resposta parcial à vacina, com resposta efetiva a apenas um dos sorotipos avaliados (16 ou 18). Nenhum fator de risco foi encontrado que possa ter influenciado na não resposta a vacina. / Introduction: Papillomavirus (HPV) infections are generally asymptomatic and transient, but in individuals with autoimmune diseases whom used to have a compromise of the immunity caused by mechanisms inherent to the disease itself in addition to the treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. Thus, the risk of these infections progress for metaplastic and neoplastic lesions is high in these individuals. Vaccination is essential for the protection of these patients, however because the characteristics of their immune system may be less effective. The most efficient way to prevent this type of outcome is vaccination against HPV. Thus, the indication of this vaccine would be fundamental for the protection of these patients, however due to the compromise in the immune system, it is possible to assumed that the response could be less efficient. Objective: To evaluate the immunogenicity of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in patients with Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (JSLE) and Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM). Methods: A multicenter prospective study, including 328 girls and adolescents (9-20 years) in 13 centers from different regions of Brazil. The study protocol provided for the application of 3 doses of the vaccine (0.2 and 6 months). During the study blood collections and serological evaluation was performed at time points 0, 3, 7 and 12 months after the start of the study in 206 SLEJ patients (group A), 40 JDM patients (group B) and 41 healthy controls (group C). To evaluate the levels of antibodies produced for HPV 16 and HPV18 subtypes the Luminex immunoassay was used. Patients or controls with anti-HPV 16 cutt-off = 9 anti-HPV 18 = 13 were considered as responders. RESULTS: Of the 328 girls and adolescents included, 246 girls and adolescents completed the study protocol, being 206 patients in group A, 40 patients in group B and 41 controls in group C. In all we had 39 individuals who did not respond to the vaccine, being 23 of group A, 8 group B and 8 group C. E 82 study discontinuities for various reasons such as: fear of reactions to the vaccine, city change, pregnancy and death. In the comparative analyzes made between the groups. No risk factor was observed that influenced the non-response to the vaccine among the variables considered: age range (9-13, 14-20 years), number of doses (2 or 3), type and activity of the underlying disease, Of the various drugs used in the treatment, analyzed individually and in associations. 287 completed the study. Conclusion: the vaccine anti-HPV seems to be immunogenic in JLES and JDM patient, however a percentage of patients have showed a partial response to the vaccine, just a one of the serotypes 16 or 18. No risk factor was found that May have influenced the nonresponse to the vaccine.

Les cellules dendritiques plasmacytoïdes (pDCs) sont caractérisées par leur capacité unique de sécrétion massive d’interféron de type I (IFN-I) suite à la stimulation des Tolllike récepteurs (TLR) 7 et 9. Un rôle fondamental des pDCs a été démontré dans le lupus érythémateux systémique via la production d’IFN-I. Les pDC expriment le récepteur de forte affinité aux immunoglobulines de type E (IgE), FcεRI, impliqué dans la régulation négative de la sécrétion d’IFN-I. L’objectif de notre étude est d’explorer, dans le contexte lupique, les effets du traitement par les IgE sur les fonctions des pDC, particulièrement sur la production d’IFN-I. In vitro, le traitement des pDC par des IgE monoclonales permet la surexpression du FcεRI à leur surface et diminue le taux de transcrits des TLR7/9 et de l’IRF7. De plus, les pDC traitées par des IgE diminuent leur production d’IFN-I et l’expression de marqueurs de maturation, induites par leur stimulation par des ligands des TLR7/9 et des complexes immuns lupiques. En outre, ces pDC pré-traitées par des IgE induisent la différenciation de LT4 naïfs allogéniques en LT4 produisant de l’IL-10. In vivo, les patients lupiques en phase quiescente de la maladie présentent des taux plus élevés d’IgE totales comparés aux patients en phase active (indépendamment d’allergies et d’infestations parasitaires). Chez les patientslupiques, le taux d’IgE totales est inversement corrélé au taux d’anti-ADN et à l’activité de la maladie (SLEDAI). L’ensemble de nos résultats suggère un rôle protecteur des IgE dans le lupus à travers la modulation de la réponse inflammatoire des pDC. / Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are characterized by their unique ability to produce large amounts of type I interferon (IFN-I) upon Toll-like receptors (TLR) 7 and 9 triggering. A fundamental role for pDCs has been shown in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through IFN-I production. pDCs express the high affinity Fc receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE), FcεRI, involved in the negative regulation of IFN-I secretion. The objective of our study is to investigate, in the context of SLE, the effects of IgE treatment on pDCs functions, especially on IFN-I production. In vitro, monoclonal IgE treatment of pDCs upregulate their surface expression of FcεRI and decrease transcripts levels of TLR7/9 and IRF7. IgE-treated pDCs decrease IFN-α secretion and downregulate maturation markers expression induced by TLR7/9 and immune complexes triggering. Moreover, the coculture of IgE pretreated pDCs with allogeneic naive LT4 promotes their differentiation into IL-10-secreting cells. In vivo, patients with quiescent SLE have higher IgE levels than patients with active disease (independently of allergy or parasitic infection). In SLE patients, IgE levels are inversely correlated to anti-DNA antibodies and disease activity (SLEDAI). All together, our data suggest a protective role for IgE in SLE through the modulation of the inflammatory response by pDC.

Orientador: Leandro Gustavo de Oliveira / Resumo: Introdução: O Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (LES) é uma doença sistêmica de caráter autoimune, que acomete mulheres em idade reprodutiva, sendo que a inter-relação entre a doença e a gestação determina importantes desfechos maternos e perinatais. Objetivos: Descrever os desfechos maternos e perinatais em gestações de pacientes portadoras de LES e avaliar o impacto da nefrite lúpica sobre os resultados encontrados. Métodos: Este é um estudo observacional descritivo desenvolvido para avaliar as inter-relações entre gestação e lúpus eritematoso sistêmico em pacientes atendidas na Maternidade do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu – HCFMB. O período de estudo foi de janeiro de 2010 a agosto de 2019. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 38 gestações em 31 pacientes com LES. A média das idades foi de 27,4 + 6 anos. A média das idades gestacionais ao nascimento foi de 36 + 3 semanas. As principais intercorrências observadas foram: anemia (39,4%), nefrite lúpica (29%) e hipertensão arterial crônica (10,5%). Hidroxicloroquina foi utilizada em 47,4% das gestações. Em 51,4% das pacientes houve necessidade de antecipação do parto e em 13,1% houve piora da função renal. A incidência de pré-eclâmpsia foi de 19,4%. Prematuridade ocorreu em 20% dos casos e restrição de crescimento fetal, em 19,4%. Nefrite lúpica determinou maior ocorrência de flare (p<0,05) e maior necessidade de antecipação do parto (p< 0,05). Conclusão: O presente estudo permitiu avaliar a inter-relação entre L... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune systemic disease that affects women of reproductive age, and the interrelation between disease and pregnancy determines important maternal and perinatal outcomes. Objectives: To describe maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies of patients with SLE and to evaluate the impact of lupus nephritis on the results found. Methods: Descriptive observational study developed to assess the interrelation between pregnancy and systemic lupus erythematosus in patients attended at the Maternity of the Clinics Hospital from Botucatu Medical School – HCFMB. The study period corresponded to January 2010 until August 2019. Results: Thirty-eight pregnancies were evaluated in 31 patients with SLE. Their average age was 27.4 + 6.0 years. The average gestational age at birth was 36 + 3 weeks. The main clinical complications observed were anemia (39.4%), lupus nephritis (29%) and chronic hypertension (10.5%). In 51,4% of the patients, it was necessary to anticipate delivery and in 13.1%, there was worsening of the renal function. Prematurity occurred in 20% of cases and FGR in 19,4%. Hydroxicloroquine was used in 47,4% of the pregnancies. Lupus nephritis determined a higher occurrence of flare (p<0.05) and a greater need to anticipate delivery (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study made it possible to relate the main clinical characteristics and the maternal and perinatal outcomes from the pregnant women with SLE treated at the prena... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Characteristics as unknown cause, complicated pathophysiology and a great amount of complexity are describing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) more than well. It’s an autoimmune disease that is almost exclusive for women in their reproductive years and are believed to correlate with both genetics and environmental factors. Risk factors like stress, usage of cigarettes or birth controls with estrogen and infections are believed to trigger the progression of SLE. The spectra of therapeutic drugs are narrow due to the complexity and requirement of financial resources for scientific causes. Treatment is mainly symptomatic. The alternative splicing (AS) is a highly complex mechanism that is essential and are able to generate a great diversity of proteins encoded by the same gene are referred to as isoforms. Splicing occurs after the transcription that generates pre-mRNA because the exons need to fuse together and excision of introns. In patients with cancer diagnosis, they have observed that progression of disease and AS are correlated by the means of isoforms and splicing regulators. In studies, the relevance of alternative splicing events in SLE has been shown for both splicing regulators like SRSF1 and different isoforms for example CD44 and CD45. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential biomarker AS in SLE.  This study of literature started with looking for clinical trials within databases like PubMed and Web of Science, that matched the aim of the study. Usage of terms like ‘SLE and biomarker’ och ‘SLE and alternative splicing’ etcetera. After inclusion of six scientific articles the author started the work with this literature of study.  Results gave strong indications that usage of alternative splicing as biomarker do have strong potential. Although the need of more goal-oriented scientific studies is required. Results from all six studies can be summarized by the line of argument that AS, in different ways, are somehow involved in the pathogenesis and progression of SLE. Both spliceosome, isoforms, splicing factors, other proteins and is also a possible, in the future, therapeutic target for example monoclonal antibodies. Other therapeutic targets maybe against phosphatases and kinases. New strategies are going to bring hope for the patients that are suffering from SLE, especially when the disease is active for 2–3 years. Being able to individualize treatment are going to generate a better quality of life for many SLE patients and usage of AS as a biomarker for disease severity.

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B cells play crucial roles in the development of the two human autoimmune diseases, type 1 diabetes (T1D) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the past decade, numerous studies showed positive responses of B cell depletion therapies in these two diseases. However, the beneficial effects are temporary and accompanied with adverse events. In this dissertation, we aimed to identify novel targets for a better modulation of disease development using mouse models. These diseases have circulating autoantibodies that are mostly mutated with an IgG isotype, indicating B cells that are producing them have been through the process of affinity maturation. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a core enzyme that regulates somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR), the two key mechanisms in affinity maturation. We showed that genetic ablation of AID significantly inhibited the development of TID in NOD mice. Homologous recombination (HR) pathway is important for the repair of AID-induced DNA double strand breaks during CSR. 4,4'-Diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid, also known as DIDS, is a small molecule that inhibits HR pathway and subsequently leads to apoptosis of class switching cells. DIDS treatment remarkably retarded the progression of TID, even when started at a relatively late stage, indicating the potential of this treatment for disease reversal. In both approaches, we observed a notable expansion of CD73+ B cells, which exerted an immunosuppressive role and could be responsible for T1D resistance. Next we examined the effect of targeting affinity maturation through these two approaches in lupus-prone mice. The genetic abrogation of AID in BXSB mice significantly ameliorated lupus nephritis and prolonged their lifespan. AID-deficient mice also exhibited improvement on disease hallmarks with increased marginal zone B cells and more normal splenic architecture. DIDS treatment notably reduced class switching when B cells were stimulated in vitro. However, the administration of DIDS did not strikingly alter the course of SLE in either BXSB mice or MRL/lpr mice. These findings demonstrated that affinity maturation could be a potential target for T1D and SLE, while further explorations into targeting other components in the repair pathway are warranted for SLE. Lastly, we assessed the effect of maternal AID modulation on the SLE development in the offspring using BXSB mouse model. Interestingly, the absence of maternal AID resulted in offspring that developed significantly more severe lupus nephritis compared to control. The offspring born to AID-deficient dams also exhibited elevated levels of pathogenic autoantibodies and exacerbated disease features. Therefore, the modulation of maternal AID could influence the SLE development in the offspring, and future investigations are needed to determine the underlying mechanisms responsible for the disease acceleration. / Doctor of Philosophy / The failure of the immune system to differentiate self from non-self leads to the development of autoimmune diseases. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are complex autoimmune diseases affecting millions of people in the world. Despite intensive research regarding these two diseases, no known cure is available indicating an imperative need for the development of novel therapies. With the importance of B cells in the pathogenesis of these two diseases, intensive research focused on whole B cell depletion therapies. However, these therapies exhibited high risks of infections as a result of depleting all the B cells. In this dissertation, we sought to selectively target specific B lymphocyte subsets that are crucial contributing factors in the development of T1D and SLE. While the effect of therapeutic treatment varied among different mouse models, the genetic manipulation of specific B cells successfully retarded the progression of both T1D and SLE and extended the lifespan of the mice. Further studies shed light on the possible mechanisms that are responsible for the disease inhibition. These data proved that targeting specific B cell compartment could be a potential disease management in T1D and SLE patients. In addition, using the established mouse model, we demonstrated the modulation of maternal factors significantly impact the SLE development in the offspring. Future experiments to identify the underlying mechanisms could provide more targets for the therapeutic development.