Endothelial dysfunction and complement activation are independently associated with disease duration in patients with...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Systemic vasculitis (SV) is linked to high cardiovascular mortality.
• Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in SV's vascular damage and cardiovascular risk.
• Complement activation plays a significant role in Anti-Neutrophilic Cytoplasmic Autoantibody-associated vasculitis (AAV).

Purpose of the Study:

• To simultaneously assess biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and complement activation in systemic vasculitis.
• To investigate the relationship between these biomarkers and cardiovascular risk factors in SV patients.
• To explore the potential of these biomarkers for early detection in SV.

Main Methods:

• Measured circulating endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) and soluble complement components (C5b-9, C1q, Bb) in 30 SV patients and 30 matched controls.
• Controlled for cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia.
• Analyzed associations between biomarkers, disease duration, and disease activity.

Main Results:

• SV patients had elevated EMVs and higher levels of C5b-9 and C1q compared to controls.
• Both EMVs and C5b-9 were independently associated with disease duration in SV patients.
• No significant association was found between these biomarkers and current disease activity.

Conclusions:

• Systemic vasculitis patients exhibit impaired endothelial function and complement activation, detectable via accessible biomarkers even without overt cardiovascular disease.
• Endothelial microvesicles (EMVs) and soluble complement components (C5b-9, C1q) show promise as early biomarkers in clinical practice for SV.
• Further research is needed to validate the predictive value of these biomarkers for future cardiovascular disease in SV patients.