Transcriptional overexpression of the proto-oncogene bcl-2 in patients with systemic Lupus erythematosus
Graninger, W.B.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 104(7): 205-207
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5325 PMID: 1523845 Document Number: 394561
In systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE) spontaneous hyperreactivity of the cells of the immune system leads to the production of pathogenic autoantibodies. A hyperproliferative state of lymphocytes is indicated by the increased expression of nuclear oncogenes. We investigated the expression of a putative proto-oncogene, bcl-2, which is responsible for prolonged survival of lymphocytes and protection from programmed cell death. In 19 of 24 patients with SLE an increased concentration of bcl-2 mRNA was found in unstimulated circulating blood lymphocytes. The overexpression of the bcl-2 gene was more pronounced in patients with active SLE. A pathogenic role of increased bcl-2 expression and prolonged survival of autoimmune memory cells in SLE can be hypothesized.