The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in the α-GalCer group were significantly lower than those in the vehicle group (Table 1). Moreover, the serum albumin levels in the α-GalCer group were significantly higher than those in the vehicle group, reflecting the difference in the levels of proteinuria between the two groups (Fig. 1a). Although no significant differences in the total serum protein levels or IgM levels were observed, the serum albumin/globulin ratio was significantly higher in the α-GalCer group. However, the serum IgG anti-dsDNA Ab levels did not differ between the two groups. The alanine aminotransferase levels were within the normal range and no significant difference was found between the two groups. Splenomegaly was observed in both groups; however, there was no difference in spleen weight or body weight. Furthermore, obvious lymphadenopathy was not observed in any of the mice.Table 1Biochemical and physiological parameters at the end of the experiment.Vehicle groupα-GalCer groupNumber57Blood urea nitrogen (mg/dL)41.0 ± 34.017.3 ± 5.6*Serum albumin (g/dL)1.84 ± 0.312.24 ± 0.21*Total protein (g/dL)5.86 ± 0.216.09 ± 0.47IgM (mg/dL)269 ± 44200 ± 16Albumin/globulin ratio0.46 ± 0.110.58 ± 0.03*Serum IgG anti-dsDNA Ab (U/mL)1734 ± 18041805 ± 1256Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L)28.0 ± 3.624.6 ± 3.6Spleen weight (g)0.18 ± 0.050.22 ± 0.04Body weight (g)39.8 ± 1.038.9 ± 1.3Data are presented as mean ± SEM or number.*p < 0.05 (Student’s t-test).α-GalCer: alpha-galactosylceramide.