The presence of anti-mitochondrial antibodies in Chinese patients with liver involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Sixty-six hospitalized patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were enrolled into this study. The test for anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) was performed and biochemical parameters were determined. AMAs were detected in 15 of the 66 patients with SLE. Meanwhile, we compared enzymatic levels in AMA-positive and -negative patients and found that serum aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in AMA-positive patients than in AMA-negative individuals. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between serum AMA titration and serum aminotransferase levels. This study suggests that AMAs might contribute to the elevation of aminotransferases. Although much remains to be learned about the pathogenesis of autoimmune liver disease associated with AMAs, this report might provide greater insight into the metabolic mechanisms of AMAs in AMA-positive patients.