Apolipoprotein-containing lipoprotein subclasses and subclinical atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: Traditional classification of hyperlipidemia using high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein does not provide information on lipoprotein function. Apolipoproteins (Apos), which are protein components of plasma lipoproteins (including A, B, C, D, E) with their different composition, metabolic, and atherogenic properties, provide insight on lipoprotein functioning. In particular, the Apo B/A-I ratio is associated with atherogenic LDL and development of cardiovascular disease.

The SLE transcriptome exhibits evidence of chronic endotoxin exposure and has widespread dysregulation of non-coding and coding RNAs.

Background: Gene expression studies of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have demonstrated a type I interferon signature and increased expression of inflammatory cytokine genes. Studies of patients with Aicardi Goutières syndrome, commonly cited as a single gene model for SLE, have suggested that accumulation of non-coding RNAs may drive some of the pathologic gene expression, however, no RNA sequencing studies of SLE patients have been performed. This study was designed to define altered expression of coding and non-coding RNAs and to detect globally altered RNA processing in SLE.

Value of isolated IgA anti-β2 -glycoprotein I positivity in the diagnosis of the antiphospholipid syndrome.

Objective: To examine the prevalence of isolated IgA anti-β2 -glycoprotein I (anti-β2 GPI) positivity and the association of these antibodies, and a subgroup that bind specifically to domain IV/V of β2 GPI, with clinical manifestations of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in 3 patient groups and to evaluate the pathogenicity of IgA anti-β2 GPI in a mouse model of thrombosis.

Methods: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from a multiethnic, multicenter cohort (LUpus in MInorities, NAture versus nurture [LUMINA]) (n = 558), patients with SLE from the Hopkins Lupus Cohort (n = 215), and serum samples referred to the Antiphospholipid Standardization Laboratory (APLS) (n = 5,098) were evaluated. IgA anti-β2 GPI titers and binding to domain IV/V of β2 GPI were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Utility of antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin and IgA antiphospholipid assays in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: Currently, 3 antiphospholipid assays are widely used clinically [lupus anticoagulant (LAC), anticardiolipin (aCL), and anti-ß2-glycoprotein I (anti-ß2-GPI)]. LAC is the most specific assay, conferring the highest risk of thrombosis and pregnancy loss, but it cannot be validly performed in an anticoagulated patient. We investigated the usefulness of antiphosphatidylserine/prothrombin (anti-PS/PT) and its association with thrombosis.

IgM autoantibodies to distinct apoptosis-associated antigens correlate with protection from cardiovascular events and renal disease in patients with SLE.

Emerging evidence suggests that there are IgM-autoantibodies that may play protective roles in SLE. While IgM are often considered polyreactive, we postulate that there are distinct sets of IgM-autoantibodies of defined autoreactive specificities relevant to different features of SLE. We examined the relationships between levels of IgM natural autoantibodies (NAbs) to apoptosis-associated phosphorylcholine (PC) or malondialdehyde (MDA) antigens, with lupus-associated autoantibodies and features of disease, in 120 SLE patients.

Abnormal production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by lupus monocytes in response to apoptotic cells.

Monocytes are a key component of the innate immune system involved in the regulation of the adaptive immune response. Previous studies have focused on apoptotic cell clearance abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) monocytes. However, whether SLE monocytes might express unique patterns of cytokine secretion in response to apoptotic cells is still unknown.

Prevalence of arthritis in India and Pakistan: a review.

Recent studies of rheumatoid arthritis worldwide suggest that prevalence of arthritis is higher in Europe and North America than in developing countries. Prevalence data for major arthritis disorders have been compiled in West for several decades, but figures from the third world are just emerging. A coordinated effort by WHO and ILAR (International League Against Rheumatism) has resulted in collecting data for countries like Philippines, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and rural South Africa but the information about prevalence of arthritis in India and Pakistan is scarce.

Interferon-alpha regulates the dynamic balance between human activated regulatory and effector T cells: implications for antiviral and autoimmune responses.

An adequate effector response against pathogens and its subsequent inactivation after pathogen clearance are critical for the maintenance of immune homeostasis. This process involves an initial phase of T-cell effector (Teff) activation followed by the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs), a unique cell population that limits Teff functions. However, significant questions remain unanswered about the mechanisms that regulate the balance between these cell populations.