Background: Impaired lipid metabolism contributes to accelerated inflammatory responses
in addition to promoting the formation of atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE). We aimed to evaluate the lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and vascular
diagnostic tests in active SLE patients to clarify the association between dyslipidemia
and early vascular damage. Patients and Methods: 51 clinically active SLE patients
and 41 age- and gender-matched control subjects were enrolled in the study. Lipoprotein
subfractions were detected by Lipoprint. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and
common carotid intima-media thickness were detected by ultrasonography. Arterial stiffness
indicated by augmentation index (Aix) and pulse wave velocity was measured by arteriography.
Results: We found significantly higher Aix, higher VLDL ratio, plasma triglyceride,
ApoB100, and small HDL, as well as lower HDL-C, large HDL, and ApoA1 in patients with
SLE. There was a significant positive correlation of Aix with triglyceride, VLDL,
IDL-C, IDL-B, and LDL1. A backward stepwise multiple regression analysis showed IDL-C
subfraction to be the best predictor of Aix. Conclusions: Our results indicate that
in young patients with SLE, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins influence vascular function
detected by Aix. These parameters may be assessed and integrated into the management
plan for screening cardiovascular risk in patients with SLE.
