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Exploring novel markers for coronary heart disease associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: A review
Linping Du1,2, Yuqun Wang1,2, Honglei Ma1,2
1Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang, China.
Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients face higher coronary heart disease (CHD) risks due to immune and inflammatory factors impacting endothelial cells. This review explores microRNAs, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in SLE and CHD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease causing widespread inflammation and autoantibody production.
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a frequent and serious complication of SLE, elevating mortality rates.
- The precise mechanisms driving elevated CHD risk in SLE, beyond traditional factors, remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of endothelial dysfunction in coronary atherosclerosis progression in SLE patients.
- To examine the involvement of specific microRNAs in the interplay between SLE and CHD.
- To discuss the significance of oxidative stress, endothelial progenitor cells, and circulating endothelial cells in SLE with CHD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on endothelial dysfunction, microRNAs, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in SLE and CHD.
- Analysis of current research on cellular and molecular mechanisms linking SLE and cardiovascular complications.
- Synthesis of findings on clinical significance and limitations of various biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Endothelial cell damage and dysfunction are central to coronary atherosclerosis development in SLE.
- Specific microRNAs play a crucial role in mediating the relationship between SLE and CHD.
- Oxidative stress markers, endothelial progenitor cells, and circulating endothelial cells are relevant indicators in SLE patients with CHD.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial dysfunction, influenced by SLE's immune and inflammatory pathways, significantly contributes to CHD risk.
- MicroRNAs represent a potential therapeutic target for managing cardiovascular complications in SLE.
- Comprehensive assessment of biomarkers is essential for understanding and managing CHD in SLE patients.
Abstract:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition that is characterized by the production of autoantibodies and sustained inflammatory damage. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a common complication of SLE, significantly increases CHD-related mortality in SLE patients. Despite conventional risk factors, the mechanisms contributing to a higher CHD risk require further investigation, with the immune and inflammatory aspects of SLE playing a significant role. Endothelial cell damage and dysfunction are key factors in the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in SLE patients. This review specifically focuses on endothelial dysfunction and the role of specific microRNAs in the context of SLE and CHD. In addition, we discuss the effects and functions of oxidative stress markers, endothelial progenitor cells, and circulating endothelial cells in individuals with both SLE and CHD. We also explored the typical inflammatory markers associated with SLE and CHD, addressing their clinical significance and limitations.
