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Molnár A, Juha M, Bulajcsík K, Tabák ÁG, Tislér A, Ledó N. Proposal of a novel cardiovascular risk prediction score in lupus nephritis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1405463. [PMID: 39114663 PMCID: PMC11305119 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1405463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are prone to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD), and have increased morbidity and mortality. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis on lupus nephritis patients to assess the occurrence and predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Data were collected from patients who underwent kidney biopsy between 2005 and 2020. Statistical analysis was performed to unveil correlations. Results 91 patients were analyzed in this period, with a mean age of 37.3 ± 12.3 years and 86% being female. The mean follow-up time was 62 ± 48 months. 15.38% of the patients underwent at least one MACE. Two patients deceased of CVD. Increased age (35.81 ± 11.14 vs 45.5 ± 15.11 years, p=0.012) entailed a higher occurrence of MACEs. Neutrophil count (5.15 ± 2.83 vs 7.3 ± 2.99 Giga/L, p=0.001) was higher, whereas diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was lower (89.51 ± 10.96 vs 78.43 ± 6.9 mmHg, p<0.001) at the time of the biopsy in patients with MACE. Age, neutrophil count, and DBP proved to be independent predictors of MACEs. We propose a new model (CANDE - Cardiovascular risk based on Age, Neutrophil count, and Diastolic blood pressure Estimation score) calculated from these variables, which predicts the probability of MACE occurrence. Conclusion This study underscores the importance of actively screening for cardiovascular risks in this vulnerable patient population. Age, neutrophil count, and diastolic blood pressure have been established as independent risk factors for MACE in lupus nephritis. The CANDE score derived from these parameters may serve as a prompt, cost-effective, and easily accessible estimation tool for assessing the likelihood of major adverse cardiovascular risk. These findings emphasize the necessity for comprehensive management strategies addressing both immune dysregulation and cardiovascular risk factors in systemic lupus erythematosus to mitigate adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adél Molnár
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márk Juha
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Klaudia Bulajcsík
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Gy. Tabák
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Semmelweis University Faculty of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- UCL Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - András Tislér
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Ledó
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Al-Ewaidat OA, Naffaa MM. Stroke risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients: exploring connections and implications for patient care. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:30. [PMID: 38294723 PMCID: PMC10830780 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can independently increase the risk of stroke, affecting both young and adult RA patients. Recent attention has been drawn to the association between stroke and RA, supported by mounting evidence. Given that stroke is a significant and an urgent public health concern, this review aims to highlight the relationship between stroke and RA, covering mechanisms, underlying risk factors, early detection tools, and treatment implications. By uncovering the connection that links RA to stroke, we can pave the way for targeted healthcare practices and the development of preventive strategies for individuals with RA. Therefore, further research is imperative to deepen our understanding of this association and, ideally, guide treatment decisions for individuals at risk of both RA and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola A Al-Ewaidat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ascension Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL, 60202, USA
| | - Moawiah M Naffaa
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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Papazoglou N, Kravvariti E, Konstantonis G, Sfikakis PP, Tektonidou MG. The impact of traditional cardiovascular risk factor control on 7-year follow-up atherosclerosis progression in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:50-57. [PMID: 37086440 PMCID: PMC10765160 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The 2022 EULAR recommendations for cardiovascular risk management in patients with rheumatic disorders, including SLE, call for rigorous management of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). The impact of CVRF target attainment on atherosclerotic plaque progression hasn't been previously evaluated in prospective ultrasound studies. METHODS A total of 115 patients with SLE and 1:1 age and sex-matched healthy controls who had a baseline carotid and femoral ultrasound examination in our cardiovascular research unit were invited for a 7-year follow-up assessment of new plaque development. We aimed to compare the incidence of plaque progression between SLE patients and controls and reveal the extent to which it is affected by the attainment of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) targets for modifiable CVRFs (blood pressure, smoking status, body weight, lipids and physical activity), and disease-related features (disease duration, disease activity, autoantibodies, treatments). RESULTS Eighty-six SLE patients and 42 controls had a 7-year follow-up carotid and femoral plaque examination. New plaque development was observed in 32/86 patients vs 8/42 controls (P = 0.037). Patients with SLE had a 4-fold higher risk for plaque progression than controls (OR: 4.16, CI: 1.22, 14.19, P = 0.023), adjusting for potential confounders. Multivariate regression analyses showed a 50% decrease in plaque progression for every modifiable CVRF fulfilling ESC targets (OR: 0.56, CI: 0.34, 0.93, P = 0.026). CONCLUSION Patients with SLE develop a rapid progression of atherosclerotic plaques which may be drastically reduced by CVRF target attainment according to ESC guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Papazoglou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evrydiki Kravvariti
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Konstantonis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros P Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Zhu ZZ, Chen XH, Wei SR, Xu J, Wang YH, Wu WJ, Liu H, Mo HY. Role of CD19 + CD5 + CD1d + Bregs in maintaining the Th17/Treg balance in mice with systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with atherosclerosis. Int J Rheum Dis 2023. [PMID: 37012219 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to investigate Bregs, their regulatory effects on Th17/Treg cell balance, and the release of downstream inflammatory factors in a mouse model of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr)-/- + Pristane. METHODS After the establishment of the mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with atherosclerosis (AS), 8-week-old LDLr-/- + Pristane mice (n = 10) were included in the SLE + AS group. Furthermore, 8-week-old MRL/lpr and C57 mice were used as the SLE and normal control groups, respectively (n = 10 per group). After feeding the mice a high-fat diet for 14 weeks, peripheral blood and spleen of mice were collected, and Bregs, Th17, and Treg cells and related inflammatory factors were detected by flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The number of Bregs and Tregs in spleen lymphocytes of SLE + AS mice significantly decreased compared with the C57 group (p < .05), whereas the number of Th17 cells significantly increased (p = .000). Furthermore, the proportion of Bregs showed a negative correlation with the Th17/Treg ratio (p = .03). Mice in the SLE + AS group showed higher serum interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels than those in the SLE and C57 groups (p < .05). Furthermore, IL-35 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β expression was reduced in the SLE + AS group compared with the C57 group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS The proportion of Breg decreases was negatively associated with increased Th17/Treg which was increased in SLE + AS mice, indicating that Bregs may regulate Th17/Treg cell homeostasis and cytokine release via IL-35 and TGF-β production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhen Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiao-Huan Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Rheumatology, The First People's Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou, China
| | - Si-Ru Wei
- Department of Rheumatology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Jia Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Ya-Hui Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Wen-Jue Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Han-You Mo
- Department of Rheumatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Chen AIH, Lee YH, Perng WT, Chiou JY, Wang YH, Lin L, Wei JCC, Tsou HK. Celecoxib and Etoricoxib may reduce risk of ischemic stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A nationwide retrospective cohort study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1018521. [PMID: 36341096 PMCID: PMC9630581 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1018521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Previous studies reported conflicting results about the risk of ischemic stroke associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to investigate two specific COX-2 inhibitors, Celecoxib and Etoricoxib, and their corresponding effects on the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with RA. Patients and methods 10,857 patients newly diagnosed with RA were identified and sampled from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database during the period from 2001 to 2009. The identification of RA was based on the criteria of ICD-9-CM diagnosis code 714.0. Patients diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease and those receiving RA treatment prior to the first diagnosis of RA were excluded. Study endpoint was ischemic stroke, defined by ICD-9-CM code. Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan Meier curves were used to reveal covariates and differences by drugs in the risk of ischemic stroke. Dosages for Celecoxib were defined as ≤ 200 and >200 mg/day; those for Etoricoxib were 0 and >0 mg/day. Results Among 7,904 RA patients, 6,669 did not take Celecoxib and 564 (8.46%) of them experienced an ischemic stroke event. Of the 597 individuals who took ≤ 200 mg/day of Celecoxib, 58 (9.72%) had strokes. Of the 638 patients who took >200 mg/day of Celecoxib, 38 (5.96%) eventually experienced a stroke. Among the 7,681 patients who did not take Etoricoxib, 654 (8.51%) experienced an ischemic stroke, while 6 (2.69%) in 223 patients who consumed Etoricoxib had a stroke event. Consuming more than 200 mg of Celecoxib per day for <3.5 years lowered the incidence rate for strokes [hazard ratio (HR) 0.67, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.48–0.93 for dosage and HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.10–0.46 for duration, both p < 0.001], while consuming any dosage of Etoricoxib significantly decreases the possibility (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.16–0.80, p < 0.001). On the other hand, consuming Etoricoxib for 8 years might have a neutral or even a potentially protective effect compared to at 3.8 years. Conclusion This population-based retrospective cohort study has shown that Celecoxib and Etoricoxib reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with RA in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acer I-Hung Chen
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Heng Lee
- Department of Health Services Administration, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedics, Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Center for General Education, National United University, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Wuu-Tsun Perng
- Department of Recreational Sport and Health Promotion, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Yuan Chiou
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsun Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Lichi Lin
- Department of Statistics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - James Cheng-Chung Wei
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Kai Tsou
- Functional Neurosurgery Division, Neurological Institute, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Rehabilitation, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli, Taiwan
- College of Health, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Hsi-Kai Tsou
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Abdelghany WM, Salah M, Saleh WA, Dahy OM, Helmy R. Activity of Protein S-C4b Binding Protein and Total TFPI Levels in Egyptian SLE Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an immune disorder with alternating active and remission phases. Cardiovascular diseases and thrombosis are the major causes of mortality in SLE. The anticoagulant activity of Protein S (PS) is complemented by C4 binding protein (C4BP) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI).
AIM: This study aims to determine the extent of change in the levels of PS activity, C4BP, and total TFPI in active SLE in comparison to the SLE remission phase and their association with thrombosis during SLE flare.
METHODS: The study included 180 Egyptian SLE patients who were classified into two groups: 100 SLE cases as the active group and 80 SLE cases as the remission group. The PS activity levels were processed on automated coagulation analyzers, whereas the C4BP and total TFPI levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
RESULTS: The PS activity and C4BP levels were lower in the active SLE cases than in the remitted ones (p < 0.05). The levels of PS activity and C4BP were revealed to be independent predictors of SELENA-SLEDAI flare scores. In active SLE cases, the PS activity and C4BP levels were rated as excellent and fair classifiers of thrombotic risk in SLE flare, respectively. The total TFPI levels showed no association with SLE activity or its thrombotic consequences.
CONCLUSIONS: The levels of PS activity and C4BP act as important biomarkers for SLE activity. Both can be implanted as predictive tools for thrombosis during activity.
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Cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2021; 2:157-172. [PMID: 35880242 PMCID: PMC9242526 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2021-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
There is a well-known increased risk for cardiovascular disease that contributes to morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Major adverse cardiovascular events and subclinical atherosclerosis are both increased in this patient population. While traditional cardiac risk factors do contribute to the increased risk that is seen, lupus disease-related factors, medications, and genetic factors also impact the overall risk. SLE-specific inflammation, including oxidized lipids, cytokines, and altered immune cell subtypes all are likely to play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaques. Research is ongoing to identify biomarkers that can help clinicians to predict which SLE patients are at the greatest risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). While SLE-specific treatment regimens for the prevention of cardiovascular events have not been identified, current strategies include minimization of traditional cardiac risk factors and lowering of overall lupus disease activity.
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Correa-Rodríguez M, Pocovi-Gerardino G, Callejas Rubio JL, Ríos Fernández R, Martín Amada M, Cruz Caparrós M, Ortego-Centeno N, Rueda-Medina B. The impact of obesity on disease activity, damage accrual, inflammation markers and cardiovascular risk factors in systemic lupus erythematosus. Panminerva Med 2020; 62:75-82. [PMID: 32515571 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.19.03748-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the relationships between obesity metrics including Body Mass Index (BMI), waist to height ratio (WtHR) and fat mass percentage, and disease activity, damage accrual, inflammation markers and traditional cardiovascular risk factors in SLE patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 275 patients (90.5% females; mean age 46.37±13.85 years). Disease activity was assessed with the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI-2K), and disease-related organ damage was assessed using the SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI). Biochemical variables of lipids profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine (Hcy), anti-dsDNA titers and complement components C3 and C4 serum levels were measured. Blood pressure and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were also calculated. RESULTS Significant differences were observed between normal-weight, overweight and obese patients in SLEDAI (2.60±2.48 vs. 2.71±2.65 vs. 3.84±3.02; P=0.004), SDI (0.76±1.10 vs. 1.09±1.24 vs. 1.57±1.54; P=0.002), hsCRP (2.15±2.93 vs. 3.24±3.63 vs. 5.30±5.63 mg/dL; P<0.001), complement C3 level (99.92±24.45 vs. 111.38±27.41 vs. 123.16±28.96 mg/dL; P<0.001), triglycerides serum levels (85.99±41.68 vs. 102.35±50.88 vs. 129.12±61.59 mg/dL; P<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (112.28±16.35 vs. 124.25±17.94 vs. 132.78±16.71 mmHg; P=0.001) after adjusting for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS Patients with SLE who are obese have worse disease activity and damage accrual, higher levels of inflammation markers hs-CRP and C3 complement, increased triglycerides serum levels and systolic blood pressure levels in comparison with overweight or normal weight SLE patients, supporting that optimizing weight in SLE patients should be a potential target to improve SLE outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Correa-Rodríguez
- Institute of Biomedical Research (IBS), Granada, Spain.,Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Gabriela Pocovi-Gerardino
- Institute of Biomedical Research (IBS), Granada, Spain - .,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - José-Luis Callejas Rubio
- Institute of Biomedical Research (IBS), Granada, Spain.,Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - Raquel Ríos Fernández
- Institute of Biomedical Research (IBS), Granada, Spain.,Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | | | | | - Norberto Ortego-Centeno
- Institute of Biomedical Research (IBS), Granada, Spain.,Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - Blanca Rueda-Medina
- Institute of Biomedical Research (IBS), Granada, Spain.,Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Jung JY, Lee SW, Kim HA, Suh CH. Plasma Free Protein S Is Correlated with Disease Activity, but not with Subclinical Atherosclerosis among Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Cross-Sectional Study. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2019; 249:1-7. [PMID: 31511453 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.249.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A defect in clearance of apoptotic materials is pivotal in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Protein S participates in the removal of apoptotic remnants and the anticoagulation pathway. The aim of the study was to clarify the relationship between plasma levels of free protein S and the disease activity or subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE. Free protein S was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and patients were classified into two groups of free protein S levels: low (< 50%) and normal (≥ 50%). One hundred-eleven Korean female patients with SLE were enrolled, and the levels of free protein S were 67.4 ± 19.7%. Carotid plaque was detected in 25 (22.5%) patients. Twenty-one patients with low free protein S had lower hemoglobin (11.4 ± 1.4 vs. 12.5 ± 1.4 g/dL) and lymphocytes (1,221 ± 609 vs. 1,720 ± 1,097/µL), higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (30.1 ± 20.6 vs. 20.8 ± 17.8 mm/h), and lower complement 3 (80.8 ± 27.6 vs. 103.4 ± 25.8 mg/dL) and complement 4 (15.6 ± 10.4 vs. 21.5 ± 7.6 mg/dL) than those with normal protein S. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with increased carotid artery intima-media thickness (> 4.6 mm) or with carotid artery plaque between two groups. The low levels of free protein S were associated with hemoglobin (OR = 0.64, p = 0.04) and complement 3 (OR = 0.96, p = 0.005). Free protein S is correlated with disease activity, but not with subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Yang Jung
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine
| | - Sang Won Lee
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine
| | - Hyoun-Ah Kim
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine
| | - Chang-Hee Suh
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine
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