Ding H, Lin C, Cai J, et al. - Researchers undertook this cross-sectional analysis with 256 patients and controls, to validate urinary ALCAM (activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule) as an indicator for predicting renal disease histpathology in a Chinese lupus cohort. They used ELISA to ascertain urinary levels of ALCAM. Active LN (lupus nephritis) patients were found to have significantly increased urinary ALCAM levels vs active SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) patients without renal involvement, inactive LN patients, inactive SLE patients without renal involvement, and healthy controls. In correlation analysis, a positive correlation was revealed between urinary ALCAM and general disease activity—SLEDAI (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) score, as well as renal disease activity—rSLEDAI (renal SLEDAI) and SLICC RAS (SLICC renal activity score). Experts also noted a correlation of urinary ALCAM with lab parameters including 24-h urine protein, hemoglobin, and complement 3. Overall, experts suggested urinary ALCAM as a potential biomarker for predicting renal pathology activity in LN. It may also hold value as a surrogate marker of renal histopathology.