PCNA and systemic lupus erythematosus: Aconitine can inhibit disease evolution and improve pathologic lesions in SLE. Elevated levels of dsDNA, ANAs, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in mice with SLE before therapy show that SLE is characterized by defective DNA degradation and abnormal elimination of cellular debris. Aconitine therapy significantly reduced dsDNA autoantigens in serum and improved quality of life, indicating that defective DNA degradation is associated with SLE (32).