Epigenetics in Lupus Nephritis

Unmethylated CpG-rich DNA Fragments in TLR-mediated Renal Fibrogenesis of Lupus Nephritis

This is a translational study for the identification of epigenetic changes detectable in sera of patients suffering from Systemic Lupus erythematosus. The aim of the study is to analyze whether circulating DNA fragments are 1) different in patients with or without Lupus nephritis and 2) present and detectable in the circulation before the development of Lupus nephritis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus according to the current classification criteria
• a subgroup requires the presence of Lupus nephritis (no restriction to specific LN histologic subtypes)

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients not able or unwilling to provide written informed consent