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Saurin S, Meineck M, Claßen P, Boedecker-Lips SC, Pautz A, Weinmann-Menke J. Sex-specific differences in SLE - Significance in the experimental setting of inflammation and kidney damage in MRL-Fas lpr mice. Autoimmunity 2024; 57:2377098. [PMID: 39004847 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2024.2377098] [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: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Animal models are an important tool in the research of chronic autoimmune diseases, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MRL-Faslpr mice are one of different lupus models that develop spontaneously an SLE-like disease with autoantibodies and immune complex deposition that leads into damage of different organs. In contrast to human SLE, both sexes of MRL-Faslpr mice develop a similar autoimmune disease. Due to the sex bias in human and the delayed disease progression in male MRL-Faslpr mice, the majority of studies have been performed in female mice. To determine the suitability of male MRL-Faslpr mice for SLE research, especially with regard to the 3 R-principle and animal welfare, analyses of phenotype, inflammation and damage with focus on kidney and spleen were performed in mice of both sexes. Female mice developed lymphadenopathy and skin lesions earlier as males. At an age of 3.5 month, more immune cells infiltrated kidney and spleen in females compared to males. At the age of 5 months, however, substantially less sex-specific differences were detected. Since other studies have shown differences between both sexes on other manifestations like autoimmune pancreatitis and Sjögren syndrome in MRL-Faslpr mice, the use of male mice as part of 3 R-principle and animal welfare must be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Saurin
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Center of Immunotherapy, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Myriam Meineck
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Center of Immunotherapy, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Paul Claßen
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Center of Immunotherapy, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Simone Cosima Boedecker-Lips
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Center of Immunotherapy, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andrea Pautz
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julia Weinmann-Menke
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Center of Immunotherapy, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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2
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Porsch F, Binder CJ. Autoimmune diseases and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 2024:10.1038/s41569-024-01045-7. [PMID: 38937626 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-024-01045-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are associated with a dramatically increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and its clinical manifestations. The increased risk is consistent with the notion that atherogenesis is modulated by both protective and disease-promoting immune mechanisms. Notably, traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidaemia and hypertension alone do not explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with autoimmune diseases. Several mechanisms have been implicated in mediating the autoimmunity-associated cardiovascular risk, either directly or by modulating the effect of other risk factors in a complex interplay. Aberrant leukocyte function and pro-inflammatory cytokines are central to both disease entities, resulting in vascular dysfunction, impaired resolution of inflammation and promotion of chronic inflammation. Similarly, loss of tolerance to self-antigens and the generation of autoantibodies are key features of autoimmunity but are also implicated in the maladaptive inflammatory response during atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Therefore, immunomodulatory therapies are potential efficacious interventions to directly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and biomarkers of autoimmune disease activity could be relevant tools to stratify patients with autoimmunity according to their cardiovascular risk. In this Review, we discuss the pathophysiological aspects of the increased cardiovascular risk associated with autoimmunity and highlight the many open questions that need to be answered to develop novel therapies that specifically address this unmet clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentina Porsch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph J Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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3
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Ambler WG, Kaplan MJ. Vascular damage in systemic lupus erythematosus. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:251-265. [PMID: 38172627 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00797-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Vascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although comorbid cardiovascular risk factors are frequently present in patients with SLE, they do not explain the high burden of premature vascular disease. Profound innate and adaptive immune dysregulation seems to be the primary driver of accelerated vascular damage in SLE. In particular, evidence suggests that dysregulation of type 1 interferon (IFN-I) and aberrant neutrophils have key roles in the pathogenesis of vascular damage. IFN-I promotes endothelial dysfunction directly via effects on endothelial cells and indirectly via priming of immune cells that contribute to vascular damage. SLE neutrophils are vasculopathic in part because of their increased ability to form immunostimulatory neutrophil extracellular traps. Despite improvements in clinical care, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality among patients with SLE, and treatments that improve vascular outcomes are urgently needed. Improved understanding of the mechanisms of vascular injury in inflammatory conditions such as SLE could also have implications for common cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, and may ultimately lead to personalized therapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of this potentially fatal complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Ambler
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mariana J Kaplan
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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Chan A, Torelli S, Cheng E, Batchelder R, Waliany S, Neal J, Witteles R, Nguyen P, Cheng P, Zhu H. Immunotherapy-Associated Atherosclerosis: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Findings and Implications for Future Research. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2023; 25:715-735. [PMID: 38213548 PMCID: PMC10776491 DOI: 10.1007/s11936-023-01024-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of the Review Even as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the lifespan of many patients, they may also trigger acceleration of long-term cardiovascular disease. Our review aims to examine the current landscape of research on ICI-mediated atherosclerosis and address key questions regarding its pathogenesis and impact on patient management. Recent Findings Preclinical mouse models suggest that T cell dysregulation and proatherogenic cytokine production are key contributors to plaque development after checkpoint inhibition. Clinical data also highlight the significant burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients on immunotherapy, although the value of proactively preventing and treating ASCVD in this population remains an open area of inquiry. Current treatment options include dietary/lifestyle modification and traditional medications to manage hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes risk factors; no current targeted therapies exist. Summary Early identification of high-risk patients is crucial for effective preventive strategies and timely intervention. Future research should focus on refining screening tools, elucidating targetable mechanisms driving ICI atherosclerosis, and evaluating long-term cardiovascular outcomes in cancer survivors who received immunotherapy. Moreover, close collaboration between oncologists and cardiologists is essential to optimize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Chan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Stefan Torelli
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Evaline Cheng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Ryan Batchelder
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Sarah Waliany
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Joel Neal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Ronald Witteles
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Patricia Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and Department of Medicine, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Rm 3500, Biomedical Innovations Building, Stanford, CA 94304 USA
| | - Paul Cheng
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and Department of Medicine, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Rm 3500, Biomedical Innovations Building, Stanford, CA 94304 USA
| | - Han Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and Department of Medicine, Stanford University, 240 Pasteur Drive, Rm 3500, Biomedical Innovations Building, Stanford, CA 94304 USA
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Bao Y, Lian M, Chen Y, Gu X, Cao K, Du X, Ju J. sNASP Mutation Aggravates to the TLR4-Mediated Inflammation in SLE by TAK1 Pathway. J Immunol Res 2023; 2023:4877700. [PMID: 37771504 PMCID: PMC10533267 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4877700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and abnormal Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways are closely related to the onset of SLE. In previous studies, we found that the mutant somatic nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (sNASP) gene in the mouse lupus susceptibility locus Sle2 can promote the development of lupus model mice, but the mechanism is still unclear. Here, we stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages with different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide. The results showed that sNASP gene mutations can promote the response of the TLR4-TAK1 signaling pathway but have no significant effect on the TLR4-TBK1 signaling pathway. sNASP mutations enhanced TLR4-mediated nuclear factor-κ-gene binding and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and IL-6, tumor necrosis factor secretion in murine peritoneal macrophages. Collectively, our study revealed the impact of sNASP gene mutation on the sensitivity of TLR4 receptors in mouse peritoneal macrophages and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying inflammation in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatao Bao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Meng Lian
- School of Basic Medical Science, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yong Chen
- School of Basic Medical Science, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Xiaotian Gu
- School of Basic Medical Science, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Kunyu Cao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Xiaoping Du
- Medical Control Office, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261041, China
- Medical Control Office, Weifang, No. 2 Hospital, Weifang 261041, China
| | - Jiyu Ju
- School of Basic Medical Science, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
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Liu X, Chen J, Liu L. DUSP2 inhibits the progression of lupus nephritis in mice by regulating the STAT3 pathway. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220649. [PMID: 37483429 PMCID: PMC10358749 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most severe side effects of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is lupus nephritis (LN). To search for potential therapeutic targets in SLE is crucial for the progression of SLE. In this study, we selected C57BL/6J mice as controls and MRL/lpr mice as an LN model and obtained dual specificity phosphatase 2 (DUSP2)-overexpressed mice by injecting AAV-DUSP2 plasmid into the tail vein. Then, proteinuria, urea nitrogen, dsDNA and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels were measured in each group of mice. In addition, renal histopathological damage was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin. Finally, STAT3 phosphorylation levels were detected by Western blot assay. The results showed that DUSP2 could reduce proteinuria, urea nitrogen, dsDNA and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels and improve renal tissue injury in mice with LN. Mechanistically, DUSP2 inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation. These results demonstrated that DUSP2 played a role in ameliorating LN, which provided potential targets for LN research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhong Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Sichuan Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Sichuan, Chengdu Province, 611135, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Wuhan Third Hospital, 241 Pengliuyang Road, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430074, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Pediatric Clinic, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430074, China
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Schäfer K. Not All Quiet on the Atherosclerosis Front. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087527. [PMID: 37108684 PMCID: PMC10138967 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, research has identified the key cellular processes that take place during atherosclerotic plaque development and progression, including endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and lipoprotein oxidation, which result in macrophage and mural cell activation, death and necrotic core formation [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Schäfer
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiology I, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Wang H, Li C, Ren G, Yang C, Sun J, Zhao L, Sun W, Ju J, Xu D. Updated insight into the role of Th2-associated immunity in systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103213. [PMID: 36252932 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with multiple organs involvement, abundant autoantibodies, complement activation, and immune complexes depositions. By regulating inflammation and immune homeostasis, cytokines have been well documented to participate in the pathogenesis of SLE. A number of studies have shown that T helper 2 (Th2)-associated immunity plays an important role in autoimmune diseases, including SLE. Key molecules underlying Th2-related immunity are expected to serve as promising targets for the diagnosis and targeted treatment of SLE. Current progress in SLE pathogenesis and biological treatment strategies has been reviewed, focusing on the latest development in Th2-associated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Chaoran Li
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Guifang Ren
- Hospital Office of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Chunjuan Yang
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Jiamei Sun
- Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Wenchang Sun
- Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China
| | - Jiyu Ju
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
| | - Donghua Xu
- Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China; Department of Rheumatology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261000, China.
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Carreón-Talavera R, Santana-Sánchez P, Fuentes-Pananá EM, Legorreta-Haquet MV, Chávez-Sánchez L, Gorocica-Rosete PS, Chávez-Rueda AK. Prolactin promotes proliferation of germinal center B cells, formation of plasma cells, and elevated levels of IgG3 anti-dsDNA autoantibodies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1017115. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1017115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mainly affects females at reproductive age, which has been associated with hormones, such as prolactin (PRL). Different studies suggest that PRL exacerbates the clinical manifestations of SLE both in patients and in mouse models (e.g., the MRL/lpr strain), increasing the production of autoantibodies, which can be deposited as immune complexes and trigger inflammation and damage to different tissues. The objective of this work was to explore the potential mechanisms by which PRL increases the concentration of self-reactive antibodies in the MRL/lpr SLE model. To this end, we determined the role of PRL on the activation and proliferation of germinal center B cells (B-GCs) and their differentiation into antibody-secreting cells (ASCs). We show that the absolute number and percentage of B-GCs were significantly increased by PRL in vivo or upon in vitro treatment with anti-IgM and anti-CD40 antibodies and PRL. The augmented B-GC numbers correlated with enhanced proliferation, but we did not observe enhanced expression of CD80 and CD86 activation markers or the BCL6 transcription factor, arguing against a more effective differentiation. Nevertheless, we observed enhanced phosphorylation of STAT1, secretion of IL-6, expression of IRF4, numbers of ASCs, and levels of IgG3 antibodies directed against dsDNA. Altogether, these results support the hypothesis that a PRL-mediated expansion of B-GCs yields more self-reactive ASCs, potentially explaining the pathogenic immune complexes that steadily lead to tissue damage during SLE.
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Ryan H, Morel L, Moore E. Vascular Inflammation in Mouse Models of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:767450. [PMID: 35419427 PMCID: PMC8996195 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.767450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular inflammation mediated by overly activated immune cells is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Several mouse models to study the pathogenesis of SLE are currently in use, many of which have different mechanisms of pathogenesis. The diversity of these models allows interrogation of different aspects of the disease pathogenesis. To better determine the mechanisms by which vascular inflammation occurs in SLE, and to assist future researchers in choosing the most appropriate mouse models to study cardiovascular complications in SLE, we suggest that direct comparisons of vascular inflammation should be conducted among different murine SLE models. We also propose the use of in vitro vascular assays to further investigate vascular inflammation processes prevalent among different murine SLE models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Ryan
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Laurence Morel
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Erika Moore
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease risk is evident during childhood for patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile dermatomyositis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The American Heart Association defines cardiovascular health as a positive health construct reflecting the sum of protective factors against cardiovascular disease. Disease-related factors such as chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction increase cardiovascular disease risk directly and through bidirectional relationships with poor cardiovascular health factors. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions to improve cardiovascular health and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in children with rheumatic disease are needed.
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