Hormonal profiles and immunological studies of male lupus in Taiwan

The aims of this study were to describe hormonal profiles, cytokine product ion and Fc-gamma receptor (Fc gamma R) distribution in male lupus patients in Taiwan, and to look for any differences between our patients and normal individuals. Sixteen newly diagnosed and untreated male lupus patients were studied. Hormonal profiles were determined by radioimmunoassay. Interleuki n-1 (IL-1) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) production from both monoc ytes and neutrophils was determined by ELISA and murine thymocyte profilera tion assay. The Fc gamma R distribution on both monocytes and neutrophils w as detected by flow cytometer. There were no significant differences in FSH , LH, testosterone, oestradiol, and beta-HCG blood levels in male lupus pat ients compared with normal individuals; however, the prolactin level in lup us patients was significantly higher than in normal individuals. Furthermor e, there was no difference in IL-1 and IL-1ra production from both monocyte s and neutrophils among male and female lupus patients, and normal individu als. Male lupus patients have a significantly lower Fc gamma RII distributi on on both monocytes and neutrophils when compared with female lupus patien ts and normal individuals. It was concluded that the high prolactin level a nd low Fc gamma R distribution may play a role in the pathogenesis and prog nosis of male lupus.