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Updated: Jan 2, 2026
Screening Assays to Characterize Novel Endothelial Regulators Involved in the Inflammatory Response
Published on: September 15, 2017
Increased Endothelial Activation in Patients with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Mona Skjelland1, Mahtab Zamani1, Siri Hetlevik2
1Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Objective:
Juvenile-onset mixed connective tissue disease (JMCTD) is a chronic inflammatory disease. We have previously demonstrated preclinical atherosclerosis in these patients, now exploring this further by assessing markers of endothelial dysfunction.
Methods:
Thirty-three patients with JMCTD and 33 age-and sex-matched controls were included. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), Il-6 and, von Willenbrand factor (vWF) were assayed from blood taken at the time of carotid ultrasound.
Results:
Our major findings were: (1) Levels of sICAM-1 (P < .001), IL-6 (P = .004), and vWF (P = .001) were higher, whereas (2) high density lipoprotein cholesterol (<.01) and apolipoprotein A1 (P < .01) were lower in the patient group compared to controls.
Conclusions:
Patients with JMCTD had significantly increased levels of markers of endothelial dysfunction.
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