Effect Of Methylprednisolone On The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) In Murine Models

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation and damage in organs such as the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. Common symptoms include fatigue, rashes, fevers, and joint pain, with pathologies like lymph node enlargement, proteinuria, and kidney failure. Autoantigens like anti-nuclear antibodies and skin-specific anti-desmoglin 3 (Dsg3) contribute to tissue inflammation.

Aragen scientists developed the MRL/lpr lupus mouse model to study the effects of Methylprednisolone, a common SLE medication. These mice, with a mutation in the FAS gene, develop autoimmune responses including arthritis and glomerulonephritis. The study involved two groups of 13-week-old female MRL/lpr mice treated with either Methylprednisolone or Methylcellulose as a control. The effect of the drug was measured by weekly body weight changes, proteinuria scores, and serum levels of anti-dsDNA and anti-Dsg3 antibodies. After 19 weeks, spleen and kidney weights were recorded. The Methylprednisolone-treated group showed lower proteinuria scores compared to the negative control, suggesting its potential effectiveness in managing SLE-related symptoms.