Value of Urinary Ceruloplasmin as a Marker in Juvenile SLE

There is substantial evidence that lupus nephritis (LN) is primarily related to type-III hypersensitivity reactions leading to immune complex deposition at the mesangial, subendothelial, and/or subepithelial space near the renal glomerular basement membrane. The search for a non-invasive urinary marker of lupus nephritis is an appealing point of research. There are few studies that have evaluated the role of urinary ceruloplasmin (CP) as a biomarker for LN. Being expressed at high levels by parietal epithelial cells of Bowman’s capsule it could possibly detoxify molecules as they pass through the glomerular filter. CP is a highly effective antioxidant that can prevent oxidative damage to lipids, DNA, and proteins. However, it is unlikely that a single biomarker can replace clinical parameters to monitor disease progression and detect early renal flares.