Plasma, urine, and renal expression of adiponectin in human systemic lupus erythematosus

Plasma adiponectin levels are increased in patients with renal SLE compared to healthy controls and patients with nonrenal SLE. During renal but not nonrenal SLE flare, urine adiponectin levels increase significantly. Urine adiponectin may be a biomarker of renal SLE flare.