Assessment of atherosclerotic risk factors and endothelial function in children and young adults with pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Arthritis Rheum. 2004 Jun 15;51(3):451-7. doi: 10.1002/art.20392.

Abstract

Objective: To characterize atherosclerotic risk factors and endothelial function in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: Lipoproteins, oxidized state, and autoantibodies to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) were assessed. Endothelial function was evaluated using brachial artery reactivity.

Results: Thirty-three SLE patients and 30 controls were studied. SLE subjects had significantly decreased mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (41 mg/dl versus 51 mg/dl; P = 0.002) and apolipoprotein A-I (97 mg/dl versus 199 mg/dl; P = 0.0004). There was no difference between groups in markers of oxidized state (including nitric oxide metabolites, isoprostanes, and Ox-LDL) or in endothelial function. However, SLE subjects had increased median anti-Ox-LDL IgG (2,480 relative light units [RLU] versus 1,567 RLU; P = 0.0007) and IgG immune complexes with LDL (4,222 RLU versus 2,868 RLU; P = 0.002).

Conclusion: Pediatric SLE patients had significantly decreased levels of HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I and elevated titers of autoantibodies to Ox-LDL. Despite these atherosclerotic risk factors, SLE patients had normal measures of oxidized state and endothelial function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Antigen-Antibody Complex / blood
  • Apolipoprotein A-I / blood
  • Arteriosclerosis / blood
  • Arteriosclerosis / etiology*
  • Arteriosclerosis / immunology
  • Arteriosclerosis / physiopathology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Child
  • Cholesterol, HDL / analysis
  • Cholesterol, LDL / immunology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antigen-Antibody Complex
  • Apolipoprotein A-I
  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • oxidized low density lipoprotein