VASCULAR DAMAGE IN SLE

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. (1) Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphism, plasma homocysteine concetrations, markers of inflammationsuch as ESR and C-reactive protein, and oxidative stress are associated w/structural and functional measures of vascular damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). (2) Will select those patients w/the highest tertile of carotid intima-media thickness as determined by ultrasound scan and treat them w/pravastatin 40 mg daily for 3 years. SPECIFIC AIM: 1) To test the hypothesis that structural and functional measures of vascular damage are more marked in patients w/SLE than in matched controls and that eNOS polymorphism, plasma homocysteine concentrations, markers of inflammation and oxidative stress are associated w/structural and functional measures of vascular damage. 2) To test the hypothesis that it is possible to improve structural and functional measures of vascular damage in patients w/SLE through treatment w/an HMG coenzyme A reductase inhibitor.