Neutrophil extracellular traps and common carotid intema media thickness as predictors of cardio vascular risk in patients with systemic lupus erythematous

Abstract

Background: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are chromatin complexes of cell-free DNA and histones, with attached neutrophil granular proteins which trap and kill infectious microbes. NETs are essential in host defense, and also linked to inflammation and autoimmunity, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and recently emerged as contributor to arterial and venous thrombosis. Common carotid intema media thickness (CIMT) used commonly as indicator for subclinical atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction in rheumatic diseases. In the current study, we investigated, the role of NET and CIMT in human SLE and their association with disease activity and cardiovascular complications.Methods: Levels of NETs (human myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes) were analyzed in plasma from 40 SLE patients and 40 healthy individuals using MPO ELISA kit, and subclinical cardiovascular risk was assessed in these groups by using CIMT.Results: Comparison between both groups showed significant difference in the level of NETs (human MPO) and CIMT (p< 0.01), and positive correlation with disease activity and cardiovascular complications.Conclusion: NETs and CIMT could be good predictors for disease activity and cardiovascular risk in SLE patients.