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A retrospective study on the correlation between antibody levels and endothelial function in SLE patients: An
Huan Xia1, Zaixing Pan1, Yun Hong1
1Department of Medical Laboratory, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, Hainan Province 571100, China.
Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with higher Anti-Smith antibodies showed poorer endothelial function. Conversely, elevated anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies correlated with better endothelial function, impacting cardiovascular health in SLE.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology and Immunology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a major cause of mortality.
- Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in SLE-related atherosclerosis and cardiovascular complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between autoantibody levels and endothelial function in SLE patients.
- To assess the role of specific autoantibodies and serum biomarkers in endothelial health.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study of 317 SLE patients (December 2021-December 2023) categorized by Flow-Mediated Dilation (FMD).
- Assessed serum biomarkers: soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1).
- Measured autoantibodies: anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), anti-Smith, and anticardiolipin antibodies using ELISAs.
Main Results:
- Higher Anti-Smith antibody levels significantly correlated with poorer endothelial function (P < 0.001).
- Higher anti-dsDNA antibody levels positively correlated with better endothelial function (P < 0.001).
- Elevated sVCAM-1 and Anti-Smith levels were linked to increased risk of endothelial impairment.
Conclusions:
- Specific autoantibodies play a significant role in endothelial dysfunction in SLE patients.
- Anti-Smith antibodies are associated with impaired endothelial function, while anti-dsDNA antibodies indicate better vascular health.
- Findings emphasize the importance of monitoring autoantibody profiles for cardiovascular risk assessment in SLE.
Background:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was a complex autoimmune disease characterized by a spectrum of clinical and immunological manifestations, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) being a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Endothelial dysfunction was critical in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular complications in SLE. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between autoantibody levels and endothelial function in SLE patients using ultrasound and serum biomarkers.
Methods:
A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 317 SLE patients treated from December 2021 to December 2023. Patients were categorized based on Flow-Mediated Dilation (FMD) values into an abnormal endothelial function group (n = 191) and a normal function group (n = 126). Serum biomarkers, including soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), were assessed. Autoantibody levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), anti-Smith, and anticardiolipin antibodies levels. Statistical analyses, including correlation and logistic regression, were performed to determine associations between antibody levels and endothelial function.
Results:
Higher levels of Anti-Smith were significantly associated with poorer endothelial function, while higher Anti-dsDNA levels were positive correlated with endothelial function (Anti-Smith: coefficient = -0.168, Std_Error = 0.027, t_value = -6.228, P < 0.001; Anti-dsDNA: coefficient = 0.140, Std_Error = 0.022, t_value = 6.345, P < 0.001). These results underscore the importance of antibody levels in assessing endothelial health.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the intricate relationship between specific autoantibodies and endothelial dysfunction in SLE patients. Elevated sVCAM-1 and Anti-Smith levels were associated with a higher risk of endothelial impairment, whereas Anti-dsDNA antibodies showed a positively correlated better endothelial function.
