Abstract: Objective To investigate the role of bcl-2 expression in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its clinical significance. Methods The bcl-2 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 31 SLE patients were tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR),and the bcl-2 protein levels in T and B cells were also tested by two colour cytofluorography. Results bcl-2 mRNA levels in PBMC increased significantly in 10 cases of active SLE,accounting for 55.6% of active SLE patients. Compared with those in inactive SLE patients,normal controls and other non SLE patients,the bcl-2 protein expression in T cell subsets (including CD3⁺,CD4⁺ and CD8⁺) increased significantly in active SLE patients. However,there was no statistical difference in bcl-2 protein levels in CD19⁺ B cells among all groups. Conclusion The abnormal expression of apoptosis related bcl-2 in T cells might play an important role in disease activity of SLE,and the determination of bcl-2 expression levels of peripheral T lymphocytes might be used as an index for disease activity of SLE.

Key words: Lupus erythematosus,systemic, Apoptosis, Bcl-2