Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Homocysteine: Is there any relationship?

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an inflammatory multi organ disease with unknown origin, variable clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. Coronary artery disease is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in these patients. This study was designed to evaluate homocysteine as a new risk factor for cardiovascular complications. Methods: Sixty known case of SLE and 30 healthy controls were included. Disease activity in patients was assessed using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLE-DAD. Age, sex, drug history, diabetes mellitus, hypertension(>140/90mm Ng), Body Mass Index (>30kg/m2), early menopause(amenorrhea before 40 years old) and coronary artery disease,disease duration, duration of treatment with corticosteroids and anti malaria drugs were recorded in the questionnaire. Hematologiical and immunological tests were done along with lipid profile,24 hours urine protein and C-reactive protein in all individuals Analysis was done using chi-square tests, student's t test or Mann-Whitney test. Correlation was evaluated with Spearman's rank-order or Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Homocystine level was significantly higher in patients than controls (P-value=0.001). Only LDL, HDL and TG had significant relationship with homocysteine level. Homocysteine showed no relationship with the disease activity (P-value=0.609). Conclusions: Homocystine could be considerd as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease in subjects with an inflammatory condition such as SLE.