Title Increased serum levels of a proliferation-inducing ligand in ...
Title Increased serum levels of a proliferation-inducing ligand in ...
Title Increased serum levels of a proliferation-inducing ligand in ...
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Abstract<br />
Background: B cells have been demonstrated to have critical roles <strong>in</strong> develop<strong>in</strong>g<br />
autoimmune bullous diseases. Recently identified tumor necrosis factor-like molecules,<br />
B cell-activat<strong>in</strong>g factor <strong>of</strong> the TNF family (BAFF) and a <strong>proliferation</strong>-<strong><strong>in</strong>duc<strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>ligand</strong><br />
(APRIL) are essential molecules for B cell development, survival, and <strong>proliferation</strong>.<br />
Although the functions <strong>of</strong> APRIL have not been fully evaluated, recent studies suggest<br />
that circulat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>levels</strong> <strong>of</strong> APRIL are <strong>in</strong>creased <strong>in</strong> various autoimmune diseases,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.<br />
Objectives: To determ<strong>in</strong>e <strong>serum</strong> APRIL <strong>levels</strong> <strong>in</strong> patients with pemphigus vulgaris<br />
(PV) and bullous pemphigoid (BP), and compare those with cl<strong>in</strong>ical f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs and<br />
laboratory f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs.<br />
Patients/Methods: Sera from 15 PV patients, 43 BP patients, and 15 normal controls<br />
were subjected to ELISA assays to measure <strong>serum</strong> APRIL, BAFF, Dsg3, and BP180<br />
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