A new endocrinological and immunological syndrome in SLE: elevation of human chorionic gonadotropin and of antibodies directed against ovary and endometrium antigens

Abstract

We have analysed the levels of gonadotropins in male and female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Human chorionic gonadotropin hCG was elevated in 23.8% of patients compared with 12.7% of controls. hCG isolated from the serum of SLE patients was bioactive in vitro. Levels of hCG were significantly correlated with those of its beta-subunit but not with the levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin alphafetoprotein or carcino embryonic antigen. A high percentage of patients presented an organ-specific humoral immune response against ovarian (26.7%) and endometrial (40%) antigens compared with controls (8% and 7.6%, respectively). Endometrial antibodies were significantly correlated to the levels of prolactin. The ovarian tumour marker CA-125 was elevated in 32.5% of patients, including two males. As a whole, these elements delineate a new endocrine and immunological syndrome in SLE in which the elevation of hCG could provide a central physiological explanation for a series of endocrine alterations that characterize this disease.