Serum soluble toll‐like receptor 2: a novel biomarker for systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity and lupus‐related cardiovascular dysfunction

Aim To assess the serum levels of soluble toll-like receptor (sTLR2) as an endogenous negative regulator of TLR2 signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, to investigate the correlation between sTLR2 and SLE disease activity index (SELDAI), SLE-related cardiovascular risk factors and ventricular dysfunction and to evaluate the effect of different therapeutic regimens on serum sTLR2 levels. Methods Ninety-six SLE patients, along with 30 healthy controls, were enrolled in the study. Echocardiography measurements were performed. Serum levels of (sTLR2) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum lipid profiles, uric acid and creatinine were also detected. Results Mean serum levels of sTLR2 in SLE patients was 3.98 ± 4.4 ng/mL, which was significantly decreased as compared with that of the control group (11.3 ± 4.9 ng/mL; P < 0.0001). sTLR2 was negatively correlated with SELDAI, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. sTLR2 levels were increased in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine, statins and corticosteroids. Conclusion Serum sTLR2 can attenuate disease activity and negatively impact left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and hypercholersterelemia in SLE patients. Statins, corticosteroids and chloroquine increase sTLR2 levels.