Ferroptosis Role in the Pathophysiology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (FERROLUP)

University Hospital of Bordeaux

Status

Not yet enrolling

Conditions

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Treatments

Biological: blood sample

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT07260942

CHUBX 2025/003

Details and patient eligibility

About

The study aims at defining the role of ferroptosis s in the physiopathology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Ferroptosis (phenomenon of cellular death regulated by iron) is a metabolic pathway potentially implicated in SLE with potential for the discovery of new therapeutic strategies.

Full description

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease affecting various organs. Regulatory T cells (Treg) and platelets play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of SLE by regulating immunity and promoting inflammation. Ferroptosis, an iron-regulated cell death process, is emerging as a key player in many diseases, including SLE.

The project, FERROLUP, aims to understand the role of ferroptosis in SLE and to explore the therapeutic potential of selenium compounds to modulate this process. Recent work has identified down-regulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) by immune complexes and interferon-alpha in neutrophils, leading to ferroptosis and worsening of SLE. In addition, data suggest the involvement of ferroptosis in lupus nephritis.

The Bordeaux team has developed selenium compounds, GPx4 mimics, capable of inhibiting ferroptosis in lupus neutrophils. These compounds have shown promising efficacy in mouse models and preliminary human studies in another inflammatory disease. The FERROLUP project aims to characterize the level of lipid peroxidation and GPx4 expression in SLE patients, and to test the impact of selenium compounds on the inhibition of ferroptosis induced by P-selectin, a molecule involved in Treg dysfunction.

Enrollment

120 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

18+ years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

age ≥ 18 years;
diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus;
being affiliated to health insurance, willing to participate and to sign informed consent;
control group : patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or an inflammatory bowel disease.

Exclusion criteria

pregnant or breastfeeding women;
patient concerned by articles L 1121-5 to L 1121-8 (persons deprived of their liberty by a judicial or administrative decision, minors, persons of legal age who are the object of a legal protection measure or unable to express their consent).