Transferrin isoforms analysis by capillary electrophoresis in systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis

The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are a diseases in which disturbances in plasma proteins glycosylation exist. The aim of the study was to compare the serum profile of transferrin isoforms between SLE and SSc. The study was carried out in 38 patients with SLE and 43 patients with SSc. Transferrin isoforms were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis method. Among the transferrin isoforms only the level of pentasialotransferrin in SLE patients was significantly higher than in SSc patients (<i>p</i> = .014). The median concentrations of trisialotransferrin and pentasialotransferrin were significantly lower in SLE patients (<i>p</i> p = .042; respectively) and SSc (<i>p</i> = .001, <i>p</i> p