AKR1C3 and systemic lupus erythematosus: In the context of SLE, which is characterized by chronic oxidative stress, the upregulation of AKR1C3 may serve as an adaptive mechanism to enhance antioxidant defenses and limit inflammation-induced oxidative injury (52).These findings provide a starting point for subsequent studies on the regulatory pathways and potential therapeutic value of AKR1C3 in SLE pathogenesis.