Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs and characterized by heterogeneous clinical manifestations. This case-control study aims to assess the association between serum expression levels of MicroRNA-101-3p and Autotaxin (ATX) in SLE patients compared with healthy controls. The hypothesis is that dysregulation of miR-101-3p and ATX contributes to SLE pathogenesis and may serve as potential non-invasive biomarkers for disease activity and prognosis.

This descriptive case-control study will enroll 40 SLE patients fulfilling the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data will be collected, including disease duration, activity indices (SLEDAI-2K), and damage index (SDI). Blood samples will be taken for biochemical and molecular analyses. Serum miR-101-3p expression will be quantified by qRT-PCR, while Autotaxin and IL-6 levels will be measured by ELISA. Statistical correlations between these biomarkers and clinical variables will be evaluated. The study aims to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers that may guide future therapeutic targets in SLE.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Study Population: Adult patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and healthy matched controls.

Inclusion Criteria:

• - Age ≥ 18 years
• Diagnosis of SLE according to 2012 SLICC criteria
• Willingness to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria: Age < 18 years

• Pregnancy or lactation
• Active infections or malignancy
• Co-existing autoimmune diseases
• Refusal to participate

The study will include 40 patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) according to the 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Patients will be recruited from the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department and Internal Medicine Department (Rheumatology Unit) at Assiut University Hospitals, Egypt.