Renin–Angiontensin System Antagonists May Reduce Osteopontin Levels in Lupus and Other Patients

In a study of 101 lupus patients and 115 healthy controls, the median level of osteopontin—a bone-related glycoprotein linked with cardiovascular disease, diabetic nephropathy, and autoimmune disease—in lupus patients was 17.93 ng/mL compared with 5.62 ng/mL in healthy controls. High osteopontin serum levels were linked with a 4.9-fold increased risk of CKD, a 4.6-fold increased risk of proteinuria, and a 4.7-fold increased risk of anemia. Patients taking renin–angiontensin system antagonists had decreased osteopontin levels, an effect that is consistent with the inhibitory effect of these drugs on osteopontin renal expression. The findings are published in Clinical Rheumatology.