Relationship between Fetuin-A and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as a Predictor Marker for Atherosclerosis

Problem statement: Associations between serum levels of fetuin-A, C3 complement, calcium × phosphate product and calcification risk index and lipid profile in SLE patients were established. However, the mechanism of accelerated atherosclerosis accompanied with SLE remains elusive. We therefore turned to investigate the association between Fetuin-A, disease activity and accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with SLE. Approach: Serum blood samples were taken from 100 female SLE patients. All Patient samples were analyzed by ELISA for determination of Fetuin-A level. Calcium, Phosphate, C3 compelement, Lipid profile, Creatinine and urea were measured also in SLE patients compared with healthy control volunteers. Results: We found that Serum fetuin-A had been positively associated with carotid arterial stiffness, independent of known atherogenic factors in healthy subjects. Furthermore, Fetuin-A was correlated negatively with IMT, SLEDAI, CRI, CaxP product, Triglycerdies, VLDL and LDL. While it was correlated positively with C3 complement. Conclusion: Fetuin-A deficiency accompanied with increasing levels of calcium and phosphate gave an evidence that there was a key role of fetuin-A as a strong inhibitor of Cardio Vascular Calcification (CVC) by formation of a complex called (calciprotein) with calcium and phosphate in blood stream. So, Identification of biologic markers of disease activity associated with atherosclerosis may help to optimize therapy for this important manifestation of systemic autoimmune disease.