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Published on: July 28, 2016
Evaluation of paraoxonase activity in patients with mixed connective tissue disease
Edit Bodolay1, Ildiko Seres, Peter Szodoray
1Division of Clinical Immunology, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary. bodolai@iiibel.dote.hu
Objective:
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease. The connection between inflammatory measures and atherosclerosis in MCTD has not been described. Paraoxonase (PON) is known to have an antioxidant function. We evaluated lipid profiles and PON activity in patients with MCTD.
Methods:
Thirty-seven patients with MCTD were enrolled. Patients had taken no antihyperlipidemic drugs in the past 2 months. Thirty healthy individuals served as controls. The mean age of patients was 51.2 +/- 9.5 years; disease duration was 11.0 +/- 7.2 years. PON activity was determined with spectrophotometry, von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen was investigated with the immunoturbidimetry method, and thrombomodulin and antiendothelial cell antibody (AECA) measurements were carried out by ELISA.
Results:
PON activity in patients with MCTD was significantly lower than in the controls (patients 118.5 +/- 64.6 U/l, controls 188.0 +/- 77.6; p < 0.001). Arylesterase activity was significantly reduced in patients (p < 0.001). Reduction of PON activity showed a close correlation with the age of the patients, duration of the disease, and vascular events (eye, cardiac, cerebral). There was a close association between the low PON activity and endothelial cell activation markers (thrombomodulin, vWF, AECA).
Conclusion:
Our results indicate that in patients with MCTD there is an increased risk for atherosclerosis. In the development of atherosclerosis, besides the elevated levels of cholesterol and triglyceride, reduced PON concentrations and PON activity may play a crucial role.
Insights
Patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) have reduced paraoxonase (PON) activity, increasing their risk for atherosclerosis. Lower PON levels correlate with disease severity and vascular events, highlighting its role in MCTD-related cardiovascular complications.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) is a systemic autoimmune disorder.
- The relationship between inflammation and atherosclerosis in MCTD is not well-defined.
- Paraoxonase (PON) possesses antioxidant properties and may influence cardiovascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lipid profiles and PON activity in MCTD patients.
- To explore the association between PON activity and atherosclerosis markers in MCTD.
- To evaluate the role of PON in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications in MCTD.
Main Methods:
- 37 MCTD patients and 30 healthy controls were analyzed.
- PON activity was measured using spectrophotometry.
- Endothelial activation markers (thrombomodulin, vWF, AECA) were quantified via ELISA.
Main Results:
- MCTD patients exhibited significantly lower PON activity compared to controls (118.5 vs. 188.0 U/l).
- Reduced PON activity correlated with disease duration, patient age, and history of vascular events.
- Low PON activity was strongly associated with elevated endothelial cell activation markers.
Conclusions:
- MCTD patients face an elevated risk of atherosclerosis.
- Decreased PON concentration and activity are implicated in MCTD-associated atherosclerosis development.
- PON may be a significant factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in MCTD patients.
