Increased Endothelial Activation in Patients with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Juvenile-onset mixed connective tissue disease (JMCTD) is a chronic inflammatory disease. We have previously demonstrated preclinical atherosclerosis in these patients, now exploring this further by assessing markers of endothelial dysfunction. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with JMCTD and 33 age-and sex-matched controls were included. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), Il-6 and, von Willenbrand factor (vWF) were assayed from blood taken at the time of carotid ultrasound. RESULTS: Our major findings were: (1) Levels of sICAM-1 (P < .001), IL-6 (P = .004), and vWF (P = .001) were higher, whereas (2) high density lipoprotein cholesterol (<.01) and apolipoprotein A1 (P < .01) were lower in the patient group compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with JMCTD had significantly increased levels of markers of endothelial dysfunction.