Selected plasma oxysterols as a potential multi-marker biosignature panel for Behcet's Disease

Clinical, genetic, and medical evidence has shown the inflammatory vasculitis aspect of Behcet's Disease (BD). Whereas oxysterols are vital factors in inflammation and oxidative stress, it is still unknown whether they are involved in the pathophysiology of BD. The current study aims to explore the profile of oxysterols in plasma of BD patients. Thirty patients diagnosed with BD and forty healthy controls matched for age and gender were included. Results showed that the cholestane-313,5 alpha,613-triol, 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) and cholestanol levels were higher in BD than controls. In addition, plasma levels of 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC) and 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC) were lower in BD patient. However, levels of 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24-OHC) did not significantly differ. For BD patients, the plasma 7-KC level was negatively correlated with the BD activity index (BDAI) while 27-OHC was positively correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with active course of the disease. According to ROC analysis, a remarkable increase in the area under the curve (AUC) with a higher sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for 7-KC, 25-OHC and 27-OHC combined markers was observed. The present study indicated that the identification of the predictive value of these three-selected biomarkers related to oxidative stress and inflammation in patients should lead to a better identification of the etiological mechanism of BD.

Automated summary

The study found that plasma levels of oxysterols are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in Behcet's Disease (BD) patients. Specific oxysterol markers can be used to predict the activity level of BD.