Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology
05:51

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology

Published on: May 6, 2014

Traditional and nontraditional risk factors for atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

V Pompilian1, Camelia Badea, Isabela Dragomanu

  • 12nd Medical Clinic, Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania. vpompilian@yahoo.com

Romanian Journal of Internal Medicine = Revue Roumaine De Medecine Interne
|April 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Premature atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients arises from both traditional and unique disease-related factors. Understanding these elements is key to managing cardiovascular risk in SLE.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Premature atherosclerosis (ATS) is a significant clinical challenge for patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
  • Cardiovascular risk in SLE is elevated due to traditional risk factors and unique disease-specific elements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the multifaceted causes of accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE patients.
  • To identify specific immunological and therapeutic factors contributing to ATS in SLE.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on atherosclerosis in SLE.
  • Analysis of traditional and non-traditional risk factors for ATS in SLE patients.
  • Evaluation of the impact of disease activity, immune factors, and medications on atherosclerosis development.

Main Results:

  • Specific factors contributing to ATS in SLE include antioxLDL and anti-CRP antibodies, immune complexes, mannose-binding lectin, annexin A5 metabolism disturbances, antiphospholipid syndrome, and immunologically determined dyslipidemia.
  • Medication effects vary, with hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressants showing potential antiatherogenic properties, while cortisone's influence is uncertain.

Conclusions:

  • Atherosclerosis in SLE patients results from a complex interaction between conventional and non-traditional risk factors.
  • Therapeutic strategies involving hydroxychloroquine and immunosuppressants may offer cardiovascular benefits, whereas corticosteroid use warrants careful consideration due to potential proatherogenic effects.

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...