Accelerated artherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and the role of some adipocytokines in this process

Abstract

The most severe forms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affect the kidneys, peripheral and central nervous system as well as heart and vessels. The underlying causes of heart and circulatory system disease are atherosclerosis, vasculitis and thromboembolic disorders; all these processes are interrelated. Premature atherosclerosis, the etiology of which remains incompletely accounted for, is of particular interest. Recently, some adipocytokines / adipokines have been indicated in the development of atherosclerosis, inflammatory and immune processes. It has been postulated that adipokines might regulate the immune response and hence also the atherogenic process.