Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by circulating and tissue fixed autoantibodies reactive with self-antigens, including nucleic acid and other nuclear components. The pathways by which these autoantibodies act as a pathogenic factor remain elusive. Present study has investigated the role of estrogens in SLE etiopathogenesis. Estrogen-modified DNA [4-OHE2-Cu(II)-DNA] showed single- and double-strand breaks, hyperchromicity, decrease in Tm, and modification of bases. The 4-OHE2-Cu(II)-DNA exhibited increased binding with naturally occurring anti-DNA autoantibodies as compared to the unmodified native form (P < 0.001) as assessed by ELISA, quantitative precipitin titration, and gel retardation assay. The relative affinity of anti-DNA antibodies for modified and native DNA was in the order of 2.1 × 10−7 M and 1.3 × 10−6 M, respectively. The data suggested that DNA modified with 4-OHE2 and Cu(II) may be one of the factors for the induction of circulating anti-DNA autoantibodies in SLE.
