Inflammation and atherosclerosis are the major causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in SLE. Both traditional and disease-specific risk factors contribute to the formation of endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have the ability to restore endothelial integrity. The aim of this study was to determine whether the number and function of EPCs are altered in SLE.
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, Heinrich-Heine University, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany. petraebner@gmx.de