The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between autoimmunity and endothelial activation/damage (ICAM-1 and vWF serum levels) and the degree of prothrombotic activity (
thrombin-
antithrombin complexes-TAT serum levels) in SLE. In 60 clinically stable SLE patients, levels of the following parameters were estimated in their serum:
lupus anticoagulant (LA),
anticardiolipin antibodies in both
IgG and
IgM classes (aCL-
IgG and aCL-
IgM, respectively), antiβ2GPI
antibodies in both
IgG and
IgM classes (antiβ2GPI-
IgG and antiβ2GPI-
IgM, respectively), ICAM,
von Willebrand factor (vWF), TAT, CRP, C3c, C4, and
IL-6.
ICAM-1 values exceeded the upper reference limit in 9 (15%) patients. vWF levels were increased in 21 (35%) patients. In all patients with elevated
ICAM-1 values, vWF were also increased. TAT concentrations were elevated in 12 (20%) people.
ICAM-1 were significantly higher in patients with elevated aCL-
IgM (> 30 MPL vs ≤ 30 MPL; p < 0.05). Similarly,
ICAM-1 were significantly higher in patients with elevated antiβ2-GPI-IgM (> 20 SMU vs ≤ 20 SMU; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in
ICAM-1 levels in relation to LA-positivity. vWF were not significantly different in relation to
antiphospholipid antibodies nor the
inflammation marker levels. TAT were significantly higher in patients with elevated aCL-
IgM (> 30 MPL vs ≤ 30 MPL; p < 0.05). In one third of young patients with stable SLE, signs of endothelial activation/damage were found, as shown by elevated plasma
ICAM-1 or vWF. Increased prothrombotic tendency manifested by elevated TAT was found in one fifth of the patients. Elevated anticardiolipin (
IgM) and anti-β2-glycoprotein I (
IgM)
antibodies influence endothelial dysfunction and enhance prothrombotic state.