Antiphospholipid antibodies: lessons from the bench

Antiphospholipid antibody-related hepatic vasculitis in a juvenile after non-severe COVID-19: a case report and literature review

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are both laboratory evidence and causative factors for a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), with thrombotic and obstetric events being the most prevalent. Despite the aPL-triggered vasculopathy nature of APS, vasculitic-like manifestations rarely exist in APS and mainly appear associated with other concurrent connective tissue diseases like systemic lupus erythematous. Several studies have characterized pulmonary capillaritis related to pathogenic aPL, suggesting vasculitis as a potential associated non-thrombotic manifestation. Here, we describe a 15-year-old girl who develops hepatic infarction in the presence of highly positive aPL, temporally related to prior non-severe COVID-19 infection. aPL-related hepatic vasculitis, which has not been reported before, contributes to liver ischemic necrosis. Immunosuppression therapy brings about favorable outcomes. Our case together with retrieved literature provides supportive evidence for aPL-related vasculitis, extending the spectrum of vascular changes raised by pathogenic aPL. Differentiation between thrombotic and vasculitic forms of vascular lesions is essential for appropriate therapeutic decision to include additional immunosuppression therapy. We also perform a systematic review to characterize the prevalence and clinical features of new-onset APS and APS relapses after COVID-19 for the first time, indicating the pathogenicity of aPL in a subset of COVID-19 patients.

Anti-phospholipid Antibodies and Smoking: An Overview

Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies, specifically lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-β2 glycoprotein-I antibodies. Antiphospholipid syndrome can occur on its own or in association with other autoimmune diseases, most commonly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A connection between cigarette smoking and anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) was first reported in the late1980s. Systemic lupus erythematosus patients with aPL are more likely to be smokers than those without aPL. These patients have a particularly high frequency of vascular events. Recently, a potential link between periodontitis, tobacco, and aPL has been proposed. Research has also suggested that periodontitis and Porphyromonas gingivalis infection are associated with citrullination through the action of peptidylarginine deiminase. A strong correlation between smoking and the presence of citrillunated autoantibodies, which are characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis, has also been observed. While many studies have investigated possible links between infection and aPL in patients with autoimmune diseases, the association of smoking with aPL has not been systematically examined. The fact that both aPL and tobacco are risk factors for thrombosis has complicated efforts to evaluate these factors separately. Also, there has been great variability in measurement techniques, and laboratories lack routine methods for differentiating transient and persistent aPL; both of these factors can make interpretation of autoantibody results quite challenging. This review summarizes the clinical evidence supporting a posited link between aPL and smoking, both in patients with a systemic autoimmune disease and in patients with other medical conditions.

Pathogenetic mechanisms of antiphospholipid antibody production in antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholiipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the pathological action of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), that leads to recurrent pregnancy loss and thrombosis. Despite limited evidence, it is clear that there are both inherited and acquired components of the ontogeny of these antibodies. Animal genetic studies and human familial and population studies highlight the influence of genetic factors in APS, particularly human leukocyte antigen associations. Similarly, both animal and human studies have reported the importance of acquired factors in APS development and infectious agents in particular have a great impact on aPL production. Bacterial and viral agents have been implicated in the induction of autoimmune responses by various mechanisms including molecular mimicry, cryptic autoantigens exposure and apoptosis. In this review we highlight the latest updates with regards to inherited and acquired factors leading to the manufacturing of pathogenic antibodies and APS.

Common acquired causes of thrombosis in children

Compared to adults, venous thromboembolism in the pediatric population is a rare event. Cancer, cardiac disease, antiphospholipid antibodies, and indwelling catheters are established risk factors for thromboembolism in children. We examined the literature related to thrombophilia in children, childhood cancer and thrombosis, cardiac disease and thrombosis, and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in children. Citations in identified articles yielded additional articles for review. We found that studies of acquired thrombophilia in children are limited. Current treatment for thromboembolism in children is based on adult data therefore optimal treatment in this population remains unclear.

Anti-phospholipid antibodies contribute to arteriosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus through induction of tissue factor expression and cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells

INTRODUCTION

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, the prevalence of arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) is high despite a lack of common risk factors for ASO. The main objective of this study was to investigate a possible direct role of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPLs), which are frequently detected in SLE patients, in the pathogenesis of ASO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined tissue factor (TF) expression on the monocyte surface by flow cytometric analysis in 89 SLE patients with or without ASO and/or aPLs and studied the in vitro effect of purified IgG fractions from plasma of SLE patients or normal healthy volunteers (aPLs(+) IgG, n=8; aPLs(-) IgG, n=6; Normal IgG, n=6) on the expression of TF and production of TNF-α and IL-1β in healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or isolated monocytes.

RESULTS

We confirmed that high expression of monocyte TF was strongly associated with the prevalence of ASO and the presence of aPLs. Treatments of PBMCs with aPLs(-) IgG or normal IgG did not significantly increase expression of TF, TNF-α, and IL-1β messenger RNA (mRNA) and the production of TNF-α and IL-1β. However, stimulation of PBMCs with aPLs(+) IgG caused significant increase in expression of TF, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA. Moreover, aPLs(+) IgG stimulated PBMCs and significantly enhanced the production of TNF-α and IL-1β.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IgG-aPLs cause persistently high TF expression and inflammatory cytokine production by interacting with peripheral blood monocytes and lymphocytes, which may be an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of ASO peculiar to SLE patients.

A novel dimeric inhibitor targeting Beta2GPI in Beta2GPI/antibody complexes implicated in antiphospholipid syndrome

BACKGROUND

β2GPI is a major antigen for autoantibodies associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), an autoimmune disease characterized by thrombosis and recurrent pregnancy loss. Only the dimeric form of β2GPI generated by anti-β2GPI antibodies is pathologically important, in contrast to monomeric β2GPI which is abundant in plasma.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We created a dimeric inhibitor, A1-A1, to selectively target β2GPI in β2GPI/antibody complexes. To make this inhibitor, we isolated the first ligand-binding module from ApoER2 (A1) and connected two A1 modules with a flexible linker. A1-A1 interferes with two pathologically important interactions in APS, the binding of β2GPI/antibody complexes with anionic phospholipids and ApoER2. We compared the efficiency of A1-A1 to monomeric A1 for inhibition of the binding of β2GPI/antibody complexes to anionic phospholipids. We tested the inhibition of β2GPI present in human serum, β2GPI purified from human plasma and the individual domain V of β2GPI. We demonstrated that when β2GPI/antibody complexes are formed, A1-A1 is much more effective than A1 in inhibition of the binding of β2GPI to cardiolipin, regardless of the source of β2GPI. Similarly, A1-A1 strongly inhibits the binding of dimerized domain V of β2GPI to cardiolipin compared to the monomeric A1 inhibitor. In the absence of anti-β2GPI antibodies, both A1-A1 and A1 only weakly inhibit the binding of pathologically inactive monomeric β2GPI to cardiolipin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the approach of using a dimeric inhibitor to block β2GPI in the pathological multivalent β2GPI/antibody complexes holds significant promise. The novel inhibitor A1-A1 may be a starting point in the development of an effective therapeutic for antiphospholipid syndrome.

Immunogenicity and pharmacokinetic studies of recombinant factor VIII containing lipid cochleates

Replacement therapy using recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) is currently the most common therapy for hemophilia A, a bleeding disorder caused by the deficiency of FVIII. However, 15-30% of patients develop inhibitory antibodies against administered rFVIII, which complicates the therapy. Encapsulation or association of protein with lipidic structures can reduce this immune response. Previous studies developed and characterized rFVIII-containing phosphatidylserine (PS) cochleate cylinders using biophysical techniques. It was hypothesized that these structures may provide a reduction in immunogenicity while avoiding the rapid clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) previously observed with liposomal vesicles of similar composition. This study investigated in vivo behavior of the cochleates containing rFVIII including immunogenicity and pharmacokinetics in hemophilia A mice. The rFVIII-cochleate complex significantly reduced the level of inhibitory antibody developed against rFVIII following intravenous (i.v.) administration. Pharmacokinetic modeling allowed assessment of in vivo release kinetics. Cochleates acted as a delayed release delivery vehicle with an input peak of cochleates showed limited RES uptake and associated rFVIII displayed a similar disposition to the free protein upon release from the structure. Incomplete disassociation from the complex limits systemic availability of the protein. Further formulation efforts are warranted to regulate the rate and extent of release of rFVIII from cochleate complexes.

Antiphospholipid syndrome

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune systemic disease that is diagnosed when there is vascular thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity occurring with persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) (lupus anticoagulant test, anticardiolipin antibodies, and/or anti-beta(2)-glycoprotein I antibodies). Although International APS Classification Criteria have been formulated to provide a uniform approach to APS research, aPL may cause a spectrum of clinical manifestations, some of which are not included in these criteria. The main aPL-related cardiac manifestations include valve abnormalities (vegetations and/or thickening), myocardial infarction (MI), intracardiac thrombi, and myocardial microthrombosis. In this article, we will review the definition, etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of aPL-related clinical events with emphasis on cardiac manifestations.

[High cardiovascular complications in systemic lupus erythematosus: physiopathology and risk management]

Today, cardiovascular mortality is the first cause of mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A 40-year-old woman with SLE is over 50 times more likely to have a myocardial infraction than a healthy woman of similar age. The high CV risk has a double origin: an early and progressive atherosclerosis and a prothrombotic propensity. Multiple factors are incriminated, including a higher prevalence of traditional CV risk factors in SLE population, as well as SLE-specific factors. Autoantibodies can modify lipid profile, induce tissue factor synthesis, favour clotting and endothelial apoptosis. Moreover, endothelial dysfunction and permanent chronic inflammation are present. Treatments are occasionally involved. To reduce more efficiently CV risk in SLE patients, we propose to consider SLE has a complete CV risk factor that should be implemented for CV risk management. This medical procedure of CV risk estimation is unusual in young patients. Its implementation in SLE patients requires a modification of medical practices. CV risk management in SLE patients include identification of optimal targets for each traditional risk factor and SLE specific treatments.

Pregnancy and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is clearly related to maternal morbidity. The most characteristic feature is pregnancy loss; however, several other serious complications had been reported including fetal growth restriction, uteroplacental insufficiency, fetal distress, pre-eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome. Herein, we review the different aspects of obstetric APS features, with special emphasis on its life-threatening variant known as catastrophic APS (Asherson's syndrome) and its relationship with a thrombotic microangiopathy such as HELLP syndrome.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome: treatment, prognosis, and the risk of relapse

The "catastrophic" variant of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by multiple vascular occlusive events, usually affecting small vessels and developing over a short period of time. Although patients with catastrophic APS represent less than 1% of all patients with APS, they are usually in a life-threatening situation with a 50% mortality rate. The purpose of this paper is to review the treatment strategies and prognostic factors in patients with catastrophic APS. A detailed description of the clinical and laboratory features of the syndrome can be found in the other articles of this issue.

The Influence of the 1997 Updated Classification Criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Epidemiology, Disease Presentation, and Patient Management

Objective.

The 1997 update of the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria (ACR97) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been validated. We determined to what extent their introduction influenced the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of the disease in northern Norway.

Methods.

Annual incidence and point-prevalence rates, clinical manifestations, and outcome were determined in an inception cohort of patients with SLE in northern Norway, included between 1996 and 2006, using ACR97 criteria (97acr). These findings were compared with a cohort from the same area enrolled 1978–1995 using the 1982 revised criteria ACR82 (82acr).

Results.

The mean annual incidence of SLE was 3.00 for cohort 97acr (n = 58) versus 2.63 for cohort 82acr (n = 81) (p = 0.5). All patients in the 97acr cohort also fulfilled the 1982 criteria; however, significantly fewer patients presented with discoid rash [odds ratio (OR) 0.31)], arthritis (OR 0.24), renal (OR 0.28) or hematological disorder (OR 0.27), and significantly more with anti-dsDNA (OR 2.57) and antiphospholipid antibodies (OR 27.9). Initial treatment with intravenous pulse methylprednisolone (OR 9.23), azathioprine (OR 6.32), and low-dose aspirin (OR 20.9) was increased in cohort 97acr. Five- (95.2%) and 10-year survival (91.9%) rates were also improved for cohort 97acr.

Conclusion.

The ACR97 criteria set has construct validity compared to the ACR82 criteria set. SLE incidence remains unchanged in northern Norway, but a significant reduction of renal disease and further improvements in survival rates occurred simultaneously with increased serological surveillance with ELISA-based assays and early immunosuppressive and anticoagulant therapy.

The physiopathology of the catastrophic antiphospholipid (Asherson's) syndrome: compelling evidence

Catastrophic antiphospholipid (Asherson's) syndrome (cAPS) was described in the past as a severe variant of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Currently growing evidence suggests it is a unique condition. This statement is based on several clinical and physiopathological features that although not well understood define cAPS by itself. The remarkable features of cAPS are the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLAs) and microthromboses. Additional physiopathological features are the presence of anemia and thrombocytopenia, which are also often described in similar autoimmune conditions. A strong association with concomitant infection is thought to act as the main trigger of microthromboses in cAPS. Several theories have been proposed to explain these physiopathological features. Some of them suggest the possibility of molecular mimicry between components of infectious microorganisms and natural anticoagulants, which might be involved in the production of cross-reacting aPLAs in cAPS. Some genetic risk factors have also been suggested to be implicated in the onset of cAPS, however they have not been defined yet. Herein, we review the remarkable physiopathological features commonly described in cAPS hitherto. We concluded that although they are not completely understood, it is possible to differentiate them from similar conditions. Nevertheless further studies on these physiopathological mechanisms of the disease are needed.

Prothrombotic mechanisms based on the impairment of fibrinolysis in the antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a clinical autoimmune disorder characterised by thrombosis, venous or arterial, and recurrent pregnancy morbidity in association with the persistence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). The clinical variety of aPL ranges from asymptomatic individuals to those with multiple organ thromboses and failure developing over a short period, also known as catastrophic APS. An increasing number of phospholipid-binding proteins with crucial functions in the regulation of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis are targeted by APS-related autoantibodies. Disruption of fibrinolysis is one of the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms for the APS. There are some experimental data for an association between impaired overall fibrinolytic activity and autoimmune aPL; however, evidence is still inconclusive and more studies are needed in this area. In this article, we review the evidence by which aPL may disturb fibrinolysis.

Genomics and proteomics: a new approach for assessing thrombotic risk in autoimmune diseases

Several systemic autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome, are characterised by enhanced atherosclerosis and, consequently, higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates. The association of these diseases with atherosclerosis suggests a common pathogenic mechanism. Genomic and proteomic studies performed on atherosclerotic plaques have further confirmed the presence of a gene and protein profile similar to that observed in autoimmune diseases with cardiovascular risks. Human sera and body fluids have been analysed and have resulted in the identification of auto-antibodies that can be used as diagnostic markers in specific autoimmune diseases, and proteomic fingerprints of blood cells, tissues and body fluids have resulted in the identification of individual proteins or patterns of protein expression that are deregulated. The information provided by these proteomic studies is of diagnostic and therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss new approaches available for assessing thrombotic risk in autoimmune diseases, focusing in the genomic and proteomic methods now available to deep into the origin of the mechanisms associated with vascular involvement in systemic autoimmune diseases. The increasing data available suggests that when treating patients with these autoimmune disorders, paying attention to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease is essential.

APS--more systemic disease than SLE

The antiphospholipid syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease that can have serious consequences for patients. Importantly, there is a wide range of clinical presentations. In this issue we have attempted to provide an overview of these features and place it in the context of autoimmunity.

Pathogenesis of the antiphospholipid syndrome: an additional example of the mosaic of autoimmunity

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by an adaptive immune response against self-PL-binding proteins ending in the production of specific autoantibodies. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL; and in particular anti-beta2 glycoprotein I antibodies) are formal diagnostic markers and pathogenic antibodies. Although APS may be considered as an autoantibody-mediated disease, there is now evidence that aPL are necessary but not sufficient to trigger some of the clinical manifestations of the syndrome. For example, additional factors, such as mediators of the innate immunity are now recognized to play a key role as second hits able to induce the thrombotic events in the presence of the autoantibodies. The APS scenario is also supplemented by the influence of genetically determined factors. Finally, environmental agents - in particular infectious ones - were reported to act as triggers for the production of autoantibodies cross-reacting with PL-binding proteins as well as inflammatory stimuli that potentiate the aPL thrombogenic effect. Altogether these findings do support the concept of a mosaic of factors that participate to the pathogenesis of the syndrome at different levels.

Controversies and unresolved issues in antiphospholipid syndrome pathogenesis and management

While much is understood concerning the clinical features of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), many issues remain. The proper designation of patients with "definite" APS and the correct categorization of patients by both laboratory and clinical features are matters of ongoing debate. Recent proposals have identified new subsets of patients who have many typical features of APS but either do not fit the criteria for a "definite" diagnosis or have initially negative laboratory tests for antiphospholipid antibodies. Meanwhile, decisions about laboratory tests are based on expert opinion, rather than the results of controlled trials. As for treatment, many guidelines are offered, but few are backed by data from strong clinical trials. This article summarizes the clinical questions remaining to be answered and debates concerning pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.

Anti-mitochondrial antibody-negative primary biliary cirrhosis

The recent development in the authors' laboratory of a sensitive bead assay able to detect AMA in 20% of otherwise AMA-negative sera seems to support the hypothesis that many AMA-negative cases of primary biliary cirrhosis (PCB) are secondary to limits in the methods used and do not represent an independent clinical entity. Clinical data demonstrate that patients without detectable serum AMA do not differ in their natural history from their seropositive counterparts. Anti-nuclear antibodies have been associated repeatedly with more severe disease and are helpful tools in the management of patients who have PBC, particularly those lacking AMA.

Autoantibody explosion in antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombosis and pregnancy loss in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), mainly anticardiolipin, anti-beta2-glycoprotein I and lupus anticoagulant. However, similar to systemic lupus erythematosus, APS is also characterized by multiple other autoantibodies including 'non-classical' aPL, as well as other antibodies. Herein we describe the autoantigen properties, prevalence and clinical importance of 30 different antibodies in APS. Among the other antibodies characterizing APS are autoantibodies directed to platelets, glycoproteins, various coagulation factors, lamins, mitochondrial antigens and cell surface markers. Few of these autoantibodies are correlated with the presence of other antibodies, and some may have an additive role in the pro-thrombotic tendency of the syndrome. This autoantibody explosion might be important in early identification of the syndrome and its manifestations.

Intracellular trafficking of beta2-glycoprotein I complexes with lipid vesicles in macrophages: implications on the development of antiphospholipid syndrome

Beta(2)-glycoprotein I (beta(2)GPI) is known as a major autoantigen for antiphospholipid antibodies. Our recent data show that binding of beta(2)GPI to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) or to liposomes containing anionic phospholipid(s) may facilitate the presentation of beta(2)GPI's epitope by macrophages/dendritic cells to autoreactive T cells. In the present study, we investigated intracellular trafficking of beta(2)GPI and its complexes with oxLDL or liposomes containing phosphatidylserine (PS-liposomes) in mouse macrophage-like J774 cells. A relatively small amount of non-complexed beta(2)GPI was taken up and stagnated in the late endosome after incubating for 16h. In contrast, beta(2)GPI complexes with oxLDL or PS-liposomes were transported into the lysosome. In the presence of the IgG anti-beta(2)GPI autoantibody, WB-CAL-1, beta(2)GPI/oxLDL complexes were rapidly incorporated into intracellular space and were finally localized in the lysosome. Interestingly, in vitro pulses by beta(2)GPI/oxLDL complexes together with WB-CAL-1 led to the expression of membranous CD36 as well as Fcgamma type I receptors (FcgammaRI). These observations suggest that IgG immune complexes of beta(2)GPI/oxLDL provide not only FcgammaRI- but also scavenger receptor-mediated uptake of beta(2)GPI/oxLDL complexes by macrophages. Thus, beta(2)GPI/oxLDL complexes as a major atherogenic autoantigen and IgG anti-beta(2)GPI autoantibodies may facilitate antigen presentation and foam cell formation in antiphospholipid syndrome.

Smoking cessation: significance and implications for children

A number of people in the USA who are still current smokers remain a staggering figure. Although this number continues to decrease, there is still a considerable amount of second-hand smoke. More importantly and for the purpose of this review, the detrimental effects of passive smoke in children is significant. We will not review the specific health effects of passive smoke, but for pediatricians, in particular, it is important to place in perspective programs that are available to influence the parents of children to stop smoking. Indeed, approximately 25% of all children aged 3-11 live in a household with at least one smoker. Despite the increasing number of communities in the states that have instituted restrictions or complete bans on smoking in the workplace and in many public areas, the principal site of smoking remains the home.

The role of the innate immune response in autoimmune disease

Autoimmune diseases are the clinical correlate of a dysregulation of the immune system, involving multiple steps and multiple components of both the innate and the adaptive immune system. Innate immune cells are sensitive to a very limited repertoire of foreign "patterns" that bind to selective "pattern recognition receptors". In contrast, adaptive auto-reactive T or B cells bear receptors specific for antigens including "self" antigens and are rendered non-reactive by several "quality control" mechanisms. Under special conditions, activation of cells of the innate immune system can break the state of inactivity of auto-reactive cells of the adaptive immune system, thereby provoking autoimmune disease. Here we review examples to illustrate how innate immune activation influences autoimmune disease and point to the implications for the treatment of human autoimmune disease.

Natural antibodies and cancer

Immunity is not only responsible for recognition and elimination of infectious particles, but also for removal of cellular waste, modified self structures and transformed cells. Innate or natural immunity acts as a first line defense and is also the link to acquired immunity and memory. A striking phenomenon of immunity against malignant cells is that neither in animals nor in humans affinity-maturated tumor-specific IgG antibodies have been detected so far. All tumor-specific isolated antibodies were germ-line coded natural IgM antibodies. It's also a fact that these IgM's preferentially bind to carbohydrate epitopes on post-transcriptionally modified surface receptors and that they all induce a cancer-specific apoptosis, by triggering the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. From an evolutionary point of view, this makes sense because cancer cells are not infectious, so there is no need for memory. Natural IgMs bind to conservative structures because they are coded by a limited set of genes and they use apoptosis, the "clean" way of killing, to avoid inflammatory processes.

Insights into atherosclerosis therapy in antiphospholipid syndrome

The presence of early atheroma in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) underscores the necessity of new therapies for this disorder. Inflammation plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of both APS secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus and atheroma. Several drugs currently used in APS have also anti-atherogenic properties via their anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, in addition to screening and treatment of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, it has been suggested that the introduction of some new medication such as statins in APS patients could be useful. This review assesses the current knowledge in this field and the justification for this new therapeutical approach. Furthermore, these data underscore the necessity for the use of other medication for atherosclerosis in APS patients, such as immunomodulatory drugs, which would be complementary to the anti-thrombotic and anti-platelet therapy.