Journal
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Volume 210, Issue 2, Pages 569-574Publisher
ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.12.007
Keywords
Systemic lupus erythematosus; Atherosclerosis; Carotid stenosis; Adiponectin; E-selectin
Funding
- Lupus Research Institute, New York, NY
- NIH/NCRR [M01 RR0096]
- SLE Foundation, Inc.
- Arthritis Foundation, New York
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with premature atherosclerosis but the mechanisms underlying this association are not understood. The role of endothelial dysfunction is hypothesized. Methods: In predominantly non-Caucasian patients with SLE (N = 119) and controls (N = 71), carotid ultrasonography was performed and circulating endothelial cells (CECs), soluble endothelial protein C receptor and gene polymorphism at A6936G, soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), and adiponectin were assessed. Results: Carotid plaque was more prevalent among patients than controls (43% vs 17%, p = 0.0002). Mean CCA IMT was greater in patients compared to controls (0.59 +/- 0.19 mm vs 0.54 +/- 0.11 mm, p = 0.03). Among SLE patients, plaque was not associated with smoking, body-mass index, LDL, triglycerides, homocysteine, C-reactive protein, anti-ds DNA antibody, C3, C4, SLE activity, or medications. Age and levels of soluble E-selectin and adiponectin were significantly higher in the SLE patients with plaque compared to those without plaque in univariate and multivariate analyses. sE-selectin and adiponectin were found to serve as independent predictors of carotid plaque and that elevations were persistent over more than one visit. Unexpectedly, these biomarkers were present despite clinical quiescence. Conclusion: Premature atherosclerosis is a consistent feature of SLE and extends across ethnicities. Higher levels of adiponectin may represent a physiological attempt to limit further endothelial damage already reflected by the elevation in sE-selectin and the observed increase in plaque represents overwhelming of this reparative process by atherogenic stimuli. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available