Plasma-soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels in Behcet's disease and correlation with disease activity

BackgroundSoluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a new biomarker, is a soluble form of membrane-bound receptors secreted from different immune cells. The aim of the present study is to determine plasma suPAR levels in Behcet's disease and their correlation with disease activity. MethodsThirty Behcet's disease patients determined according to the International Study Group criteria for Behcet's disease diagnosis and 41 healthy subjects were included in the present study. Micro-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to obtain quantitative data. Data of both groups were statistically analyzed. ResultsThe comparison of C-reactive protein and suPAR plasma levels of the control and Behcet's disease group revealed statistically significant differences (respectively, P = 0.003 < 0.05 and P = 0.020 < 0.05). However, plasma suPAR levels related with disease activity revealed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). ConclusionThe present study is the first study analyzing suPAR levels in Behcet's disease patients and their correlation with disease activity. However, further prospective studies with larger patient series using suPAR as a new plasma biomarker are required to diagnose and monitor Behcet's disease and to support the findings of the present study.