Abstract: Objective To determine the relationship between serum levels of MCAF/MCP-1 (monocyte chemotactic and activating factor/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), RANTES(regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) and the disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE). Methods Serum levels of MCAF and RANTES were measured by ELISA. Results ①Serum level of MCAF but not RANTES, was significantly increased in patients with SLE as compared with controls. ②Serum level of MCAF but not RANTES, was markedly higher in patients with active disease than those with inactive disease. ③No significant differences were found in the serum levels of MCAF and RANTES between patients with renal damage and those without. Conclusions These results suggest that MCAF may be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE, and serum MCAF levels could be an indicator for the disease activity of SLE.

Key words: Lupus erythematosus, systemic, Chemokines