The Role of Interferon in Premature Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients Pages 66-70
Sisira Sran1, Nicole Ferguson2, Manpreet Sran1, Prachi Anand3, Amgad N. Makaryus1,4 and Marianne Frieri1,5
1Department of Medicine; 2New York Institute of Technology-College of Osteopathic Medicine; 3Department of Rheumatology; 4Department of Cardiology, Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY, USA; 5Division of Allergy and Immunology
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.12970/2310-9874.2014.02.02.6
Abstract: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Studies have established that patients with SLE develop accelerated atherosclerosis related to endothelial cell dysfunction and acute vascular events not explained by Framingham risk score risk stratification. In this article, we closely explore the role of interferons in endothelial cell apoptosis and vascular dysfunction. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the significant increase in atherosclerotic cardiovascular complications in patients with SLE, and the role of type I interferon may serve as the basis for developing target therapy with pharmacological agents.
Keywords: Interferon, Premature atherosclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Read more