An outline of the work contained in this thesis is presented. The first chapter is a critical review of the literature pertaining to the pathophysiological mechanisms operational with regards to the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The syndrome is characterised by venous and arterial thrombosis, and recurrent fetal loss, in association with the persistent presence of antibodies targeting the main autoantigen beta 2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI). The second chapter reviews the literature delineating the diverse physiological functions of β2GPI, and then relates them to its role in our current understanding of the pathophysiology of APS. The third chapter presents a critical review of the evidence base for the diagnosis and management of APS. The fourth chapter describes the interaction between β2GPI and the glycoprotein Ib alpha (GPIbα) subunit of the platelet receptor GPIb-IX-V. GPIbα is an important platelet adhesion receptor, which mediates multiple additional functions on the platelet surface, including binding coagulation factor XI (FXI). The implication of the interaction between β2GPI and GPIbα on platelet activation and the release of thromboxane in the presence of anti-β2GPI antibodies is explored, as well as the intracellular pathways via which this activation occurs. The relevance of these findings to understanding APS pathogenesis, in particular thrombosis, is discussed. The fifth chapter delineates the interaction between the fifth domain of β2GPI and FXI and its activated form factor XIa (FXIa). The ability of FXIa to cleave β2GPI between lysine (Lys) 317 and threonine (Thr) 318, and modulate its function is reported. The sixth chapter describes the ability of β2GPI to inhibit FXIa autoproteolytic hydrolysis at the specific FXIa residues arginine (Arg) 507, Arg532 and Lys539. This interaction with β2GPI stabilizes FXIa activity over time, and leads to enhanced FXIa mediated fibrin formation. This is a novel physiological function of β2GPI with important implications. Recent epidemiological studies by others have emphasized the critical role of FXIa in pathological thrombus propagation. The seventh chapter defines the relevance of the FXIa residues Arg507, Arg532 and Lys539 to FXIa mediated inactivation by the main FXIa inhibitor Protease Nexin 2 (PN2), and by Antithrombin III (ATIII). Insights into future directions for research are presented and discussed within each individual chapter.

An outline of the work contained in this thesis is presented. The first chapter is a critical review of the literature pertaining to the pathophysiological mechanisms operational with regards to the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The syndrome is characterised by venous and arterial thrombosis, and recurrent fetal loss, in association with the persistent presence of antibodies targeting the main autoantigen beta 2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI). The second chapter reviews the literature delineating the diverse physiological functions of β2GPI, and then relates them to its role in our current understanding of the pathophysiology of APS. The third chapter presents a critical review of the evidence base for the diagnosis and management of APS. The fourth chapter describes the interaction between β2GPI and the glycoprotein Ib alpha (GPIbα) subunit of the platelet receptor GPIb-IX-V. GPIbα is an important platelet adhesion receptor, which mediates multiple additional functions on the platelet surface, including binding coagulation factor XI (FXI). The implication of the interaction between β2GPI and GPIbα on platelet activation and the release of thromboxane in the presence of anti-β2GPI antibodies is explored, as well as the intracellular pathways via which this activation occurs. The relevance of these findings to understanding APS pathogenesis, in particular thrombosis, is discussed. The fifth chapter delineates the interaction between the fifth domain of β2GPI and FXI and its activated form factor XIa (FXIa). The ability of FXIa to cleave β2GPI between lysine (Lys) 317 and threonine (Thr) 318, and modulate its function is reported. The sixth chapter describes the ability of β2GPI to inhibit FXIa autoproteolytic hydrolysis at the specific FXIa residues arginine (Arg) 507, Arg532 and Lys539. This interaction with β2GPI stabilizes FXIa activity over time, and leads to enhanced FXIa mediated fibrin formation. This is a novel physiological function of β2GPI with important implications. Recent epidemiological studies by others have emphasized the critical role of FXIa in pathological thrombus propagation. The seventh chapter defines the relevance of the FXIa residues Arg507, Arg532 and Lys539 to FXIa mediated inactivation by the main FXIa inhibitor Protease Nexin 2 (PN2), and by Antithrombin III (ATIII). Insights into future directions for research are presented and discussed within each individual chapter.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 2008. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 116-135).

Bakgrund: Eculizumab (Solirisâ) är en monoklonal antikropp som är riktad mot C5 i komplementsystemet. Bindning av eculizumab till C5 förhindrar proteinets klyvning och därmed också aktivering. Eculizumab är godkänt för behandling av atypiskt hemolytiskt uremiskt syndrom och paroxysmal nokturn hemoglobinuri. Sedan behandlingen blivit godkänd för dessa tillstånd har även ”off-label use” vid andra tillstånd varit betydande. En tidigare studie har visat att uppemot 50 % av behandling med eculizumab är off-label use, det vill säga behandling utanför de idag godkända indikationerna. Ett av dessa tillstånd är katastrofalt antifosfolipidsyndrom (KAPS), ett mycket allvarligt tillstånd som karaktäriseras av multipla tromboser som utvecklas under kort tid i flera organ vid vilket eculizumab visat sig ha en potentiellt positiv effekt. KAPS kan uppstå om man har bakomliggande antifosfolipid syndrom (APS) och kan utlösas vid en så kallad ”second hit”, en inflammatorisk stressreaktion orsakad av exempelvis en infektion eller kirurgiskt ingrepp. Eculizumab är ett särläkemedel och är en av de dyraste läkemedelsbehandlingarna i världen. Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att analysera fall där KAPS behandlats med eculizumab för att utvärdera om eculizumab bör vara standarbehandling vid detta tillstånd. Likheter och olikheter mellan fallen studerades för att utvärdera när det kan vara lämpligt att behandla med eculizumab. Syftet var också att utvärdera detta utifrån ett ekonomiskt perspektiv. Metod: Detta är en litteraturstudie där sökningar i PubMed gjorts efter rapporter som beskriver fall där patienter med KAPS eller som ansetts haft en risk att utveckla KAPS behandlats med eculizumab. Åtta rapporter med totalt tio fall inkluderades och analyserades. Resultat: De rapporter som analyserades visade övergripande en tydlig effekt av behandling med eculizumab. Eculizumab tolkades också i vissa fall som ett kostnadseffektivt alternativ genom bland annat förkortad intensivvård och dialysbehov. Slutsats: Eculizumab har i de fall som analyserats visat sig ha en avgörande betydelse för att reversera ett livshotande tillstånd och skulle kunna vara standardbehandling vid KAPS och förebyggande av KAPS. För att eculizumab, eller en annan komplementhämmare, ska kunna bli standardbehandling krävs ytterligare forskning på KAPS och dess relation till komplementsystemet. / Catastrophic antiphospholipidsyndrome (CAPS) is a rare but highly fatal condition characterized by thrombosis in multiple organs, often associated with a rapid progression of disease and serious complications for the patient. A rapid diagnosis and treatment is therefore a key to manage this condition. The conventional treatment, which consists of anticoagulation, steroids, plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulins, reduces mortality but CAPS is still associated with high mortality. To find the mechanism of how and why this condition evolves is therefore important. There has been progress to find out the pathogenesis and one clue appears to be the complement system. Therefore, a new type of treatment has been used in patients who have been diagnosed with antiphosphlipidsyndrome (APS) and have had a risk of developing CAPS, or have been diagnosed with definitive or probable CAPS. This treatment is aimed at inhibiting parts of the complement system and consists of a monoclonal antibody called eculizumab. Lately eculizumab has been used off label in patients diagnosed with CAPS and in patients that has been at risk of developing CAPS. The results of this treatment have been positive and have therefore been considered as a possible alternative for treating CAPS. The aim of this study was to evaluate if eculizumab can be an alternative to treat patients with CAPS and patients diagnosed with APS who have a risk of developing CAPS. In order to evaluate treatment with eculizumab in patients with CAPS, searches on cases were done in the database PubMed for reports of patients with CAPS or at risk of developing CAPS who have been treated with eculizumab. Eight reports with a total of ten cases were found and used in order to answer the hypothesis of this study. In the ten cases that were analyzed there was a clear connection between the treatment and the recovery. In both patients with CAPS and patients at risk of developing CAPS the treatment with eculizumab was considered of significant importance. Because of the rarity of this condition, every case makes significant impact into the understanding of this potentially fatal condition. For future new cases, the present report will stand as an important source for making decisions about treatment with eculizumab. With time and more cases with positive results eculizumab has the potential to become conventional treatment for CAPS.

Hypermetabolism, observed in Sydenham's chorea (SC); a complication of acute rheumatoid fever (ARF) involving binding of streptococcal M protein antibodies in the brain, may result from an increase in glutamate release. The interaction of mAb 1 OF5, a specific M protein antibody subtype, with brain proteins (e.g. Rabphilin-3A), synaptic vesicles (SVs) and synaptosomal fraction (SF) was examined. Rat brain slices immunostained with mAb l OF5 revealed an interaction with choroid plexus and elements appearing to be neuropils. Dot blotting demonstrated an interaction of mAb I OF5 with both SVs and SFs. Western blotting revealed a smear from mAb 10F5 against the SF fraction. However, both modified SVs and pure liposomes examined by fluorescent and confocal microscopy bound mAbl0F5 suggesting a direct interaction with phospholipids. ELISA demonstrated binding of mAb1OF5 with negatively charged phospholipids involved in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Hypermetabolism and binding at the choroid plexus is observed in SC and APS supporting the connection between these disorders. / Department of Physiology and Health Science

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-02-28Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:49:52Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 mangerona_lr_me_botfm.pdf: 551674 bytes, checksum: fa33b5ef943c594fe040a66778a352bd (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Ministério da Saúde / Secretaria do Estado da Saúde de São Paulo / A perda gestacional recorrente idiopática é multifatorial, pois envolve fatores de risco clínicos e biológicos. A trombofilia pode ser definida como uma predisposição para trombose. Anormalidades na hemostasia que estão associadas com trombofilias clínicas incluem defeitos hereditários, tais como os anticoagulantes naturais Antitrombina III, Proteína S e Proteína C ou fatores de coagulação, as mutações do fator V Leiden, gene da protrombina G20210A, metilenotetrahidrofolato redutase MTHFR C677T, e defeitos adquiridos, tal como Síndrome Antifosfolípide e a Hiperhomocisteinemia. O presente trabalho foi realizado com 70 mulheres, sendo que 35 mulheres apresentavam 3 ou mais abortos recorrentes inexplicáveis, e 35 mulheres voluntárias clinicamente normais, para todas as mulheres foram feitas as investigações para os anticoagulantes naturais da coagulação e investigação para as mutações do fator V Leiden, gene da protrombina G20210A e metilenotetrahidrofolato redutase MTHFR C677T e as deficiências adquiridas. Em nosso estudo, encontramos resultados estatísticamente significantes para a síndrome do anticorpo antifosfolípide (trombofilia adquirida). Em nosso estudo observamos um grande número de defeitos trombofílicos adquiridos sendo que alguns estão em associação com a mutação do fator V Leiden e MTHFR C677T, porém mais pesquisas são necessárias para confirmar ou contestar as causas das trombofilias,e avaliar a eficiência e segurança da tromboprofilaxia em mulheres grávidas. / The idiopathic appealing gestational loss is multifactorial because it involves clinical and biological risk factors. Thrombophilia can be defined as a predisposition for thrombosis. Abnormalities in homeostasis that are associated with clinical thrombophilia include hereditary defects, such as natural anticoagulants as Antithrombin III, S Protein and C Protein or coagulation factors, mutations of V Leiden factor, gene of G20210A prothrombin, MTHFR C677T methilene redutase tetrahydropholat, and acquired defects just as Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Hyperhomocisteinemy. The present work was accomplished with 70 women, and 35 women showed 3 or more inexplicable appealing abortions, and 35 women voluntary clinically normal. For all women were made investigations for natural anticoagulants of coagulation and investigations for mutations of V Leiden factor, gene of G20210A prothrombin, MTHFR C677T methilene redutase tetrahydropholat, and acquired defects. In study we found statistically significant results for antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (acquired thrombophilia). In our study it was observed a great number of thrombophilics acquired defects, and some of then are associated to mutation of V Leiden factor and MTHFR C677T, however more researches are necessary to confirm or to answer the causes of the thrombophilia and to evaluate the efficiency and safety of the thromboprophylaxis in pregnant women.

No description available.

O envolvimento do sistema nervoso periférico em diversas doenças auto-imunes é bem estabelecido. No entanto, não existem estudos, com desenho metodológico apropriado, que tenham investigado a relação entre síndrome antifosfolípide primária (SAFP) e neuropatia periférica. Nosso objetivo nesse trabalho foi investigar a ocorrência de neuropatia periférica em pacientes com SAFP. Vinte e seis pacientes com SAFP (critérios de Sapporo) e vinte controles, saudáveis, pareados por sexo e idade, foram recrutados em dois centros de referência. Foram excluídas as causas secundárias de neuropatia periférica e um exame neurológico completo, seguido de estudo de neurocondução, foi realizado em todos os indivíduos. Parestesias foram observadas em oito pacientes (31%). Leve fraqueza distal e anormalidades nos reflexos tendíneos profundos, foram observados em três (11,5%) pacientes. Evidência eletrofisiológica de neuropatia periférica foi observada em nove (35%) pacientes: quatro (15,5%) pacientes apresentaram neuropatia sensitiva ou sensitivo-motora axonal distais (em dois deles, com a superposição de síndrome do túnel do carpo), um (4%) paciente apresentou neuropatia sensitivo-motora, axonal e desmielinizante, acometendo os membros superiores e inferiores, enquanto que em quatro (15,5%) pacientes, observou-se a presença isolada de síndrome do túnel do carpo. As alterações clínicas e sorológicas dos pacientes com SAFP não guardaram qualquer correlação, com as alterações eletrofisiológicas. Em conclusão, neuropatia periférica, em geral assintomática, é comum na SAFP. Estudo de condução nervosa deve ser considerado na avaliação desses pacientes. / The involvement of the peripheral nervous system in diverse autoimmune diseases is well established. However, no appropriately designed studies have been performed in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS)-related peripheral neuropathy. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy in patients diagnosed with PAPS. Twenty-six consecutive PAPS (Sapporo\'s criteria) patients and twenty age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled at two referral centers. Exclusion criteria were secondary causes of peripheral neuropathy. A complete clinical neurological exam followed by nerve conduction studies (NCSs) were performed. Paresthesias were reported in 8 patients (31%). Objective mild distal weakness and abnormal symmetric deep tendon reflexes were observed in three (11.5%) patients. With regard to the electrophysiological evidence of peripheral neuropathy, nine (35.0%) patients had alterations: four (15.5%) had pure sensory or sensorimotor distal axonal neuropathy (in two of them a carpal tunnel syndrome was also present) and one (4%) had sensorimotor demyelinating and axonal neuropathy involving upper and lower extremities, while four patients (15.5%) showed isolated carpal tunnel syndrome. Clinical and serological results were similar in all PAPS patients, regardless of the presence of electrophysiological alterations. In conclusion, peripheral neuropathy is a common asymptomatic abnormality in PAPS patients. The routine performance of NCS may be considered when evaluating such patients.

Objetivo: A aterosclerose prematura e acelerada tem sido recentemente reconhecida como um fator adicional de dano vascular nos pacientes com Síndrome Antifosfolípide Primária (SAFP). Esses pacientes podem ser beneficiados com o emprego de métodos para detecção precoce de aterosclerose como a Velocidade de Onda de Pulso (VOP) e o Echo-tracking (ET). Esses métodos têm sido reconhecidos pela capacidade de avaliar de forma não-invasiva a progressão da aterosclerose na parede vascular. Portanto, nosso principal objetivo foi avaliar a aterosclerose prematura nesses pacientes com SAFP. Pacientes e Métodos: 27 pacientes do sexo feminino com SAFP definida pelos critérios de Sapporo e 27 pacientes controles pareadas por sexo, idade e índice de massa corpórea foram selecionadas de forma consecutiva. Todas as pacientes sofreram trombose e foram subdivididas de acordo com o sítio vascular: arterial (n=12) e venoso (n=11). Os critérios de exclusão foram: idade > 55 anos, raça negra, hipertensão descontrolada, uso de corticosteróides e estatinas, diabetes, dislipidemia prévia, gravidez, menopausa, outras trombofilias, colagenoses, doenças vasculares de outras etiologias, obesidade definido por Índice de massa corpórea (IMC) >30 m/kg2 e tabagismo. Todas as pacientes foram submetidas à VOP no leito fêmoro-carotídeo (Complior) e echo-tracking pelo Wall Track System no leito carotídeo para avaliação das propriedades funcionais dos vasos. Resultados: Ambos os grupos SAFP e controles não mostraram diferença em relação à idade (41.5 ± 9.3 vs. 41.2 ± 10.2 anos; p=0.92) e IMC (22.7 ± 3.4 vs. 22.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2; p=0.91). Todas as pacientes apresentaram VOP semelhante às controles (p=0.34), o espessamento íntima-média (EIM) foi semelhante nos dois grupos (p=0.29) assim como os demais parâmetros do echo-tracking como o diâmetro carotídeo (p=0.26), a distensibilidade (p=0.92), os coeficientes de complacência (p=0.36) e o módulo elástico (p=0.78). A pressão sistólica (PS) das pacientes estava aumentada em relação às controles (p=0.02). De acordo com o sítio de trombose, as pacientes com eventos arteriais demonstraram um aumento na VOP em relação àquelas com eventos venosos (p=0.01) mesmo com mesmo EIM (p=0.52). Ambos resultados não foram influenciados pela idade ou duração de doença. Os níveis de colesterol total (p=0.002), LDL (p=0.02) e apolipoproteína B (p=0.03) foram mais altos nas pacientes com SAFP com eventos arteriais exclusivos. Na análise multivariada, observamos correlação da VOP com a idade (r=0.584; p=0.001) e com o diâmetro do vaso (DV) (r=0.407; p=0.04). Foi observada uma correlação positiva da VOP com o colesterol total (r=0.507, p=0.01), LDL (r=0.402, p=0.05), e triglicérides (r=0.583, p=0.003). O EIM apresentou correlação direta com o DV (r=0.393; p=0.04) e com a distensibilidade (r=0.373, p=0.05). Conclusão: A aterosclerose na SAFP apresenta curso peculiar e de forma precoce. A VOP foi um método mais adequado para detectar a disfunção vascular secundária à rigidez arterial, visto que, não foram detectadas alterações vasculares funcionais pelo ET. / Objective: Premature and accelerated atherosclerosis has been recently recognized as an additional vascular damage in Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome (PAPS). These patients could benefit from non-invasive diagnostic methods to detect atherosclerosis as the Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) and the Echo-Tracking (ET) device. By precise measurement of arterial stiffness, these methods output an indirect way to evaluate the vascular wall lesion progression. Our main objective was to evaluate premature atherosclerosis in PAPS.PATIENTS AND METHODS: 27 female patients with PAPS (Sapporo criteria) and 27 age-, body mass index- and sex-matched controls were consecutively selected. All PAPS patients had previous thrombosis and were subdivided according to the type of vascular exclusive event: arterial (n=12) and venous (n=11). Exclusion criteria were: age >55 years, black race, uncontrolled hypertension, smoking, diabetes, previous dyslipidemia, other thrombophilias, vascular and collagen diseases, corticosteroids and statins use, pregnancy, menopause, and obesity defined as body mass index (BMI)>30 m/kg2. All subjects underwent the PWV in femoral-carotidal bed (Complior) and echo-tracking by a Wall Track System in carotidal bed to analyze vascular wall functional properties. RESULTS: Both groups PAPS and controls did not show any difference regarding age (41.5 ± 9.3 vs. 41.2 ± 10.2 years; p=0.92) and BMI (22.7 ± 3.4 vs. 22.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2; p=0.91). All PAPS patients had PWV values similar to controls (p=0.34). Intima-media thickness (IMT) was also similar between groups (p=0.29) as well as all the other echo tracking parameters such as carotideal diameter (p=0.26), distensibility (p=0.92), compliance coefficients (p=0.36), and elastic modulus (p=0.78) were similar among groups. A higher systolic blood pressure was observed was observed in PAPS patients than controls (p=0.02). According to the site of thrombosis, PAPS patients with exclusive arterial events showed a higher PWV compared to those with venous (p=0.01) but had similar IMT (p=0.52). Both results were not influenced by age or disease duration. Total cholesterol (p=0.002), LDL (p=0.02), and apolipoprotein B (p=0.03) levels were higher in PAPS with exclusive arterial events compared to those with exclusive venous events. Multivariate analysis in PAPS showed that PWV was related to age (r=0.584; p=0.001) and blood vessel diameter (VD) (r=0.407; p=0.04). Moreover, PWV did also positively correlated with total cholesterol (r=0.507, p=0.01), LDL (r=0.402, p=0.05), and triglycerides (r=0.583, p=0.003). IMT also had a positive correlation with VD (r=0.393; p=0.04) and distensibility (r=0.373; p= 0.05). CONCLUSION: Atherosclerosis in PAPS has a peculiar course with an early onset, remarkably in those patients with arterial events. PWV was a sensible method to detect impaired functional vessel related to stiffness since no significant changes were observed in functional vascular properties by Echo- Tracking (ET) device.

Objetivo: A aterosclerose prematura e acelerada tem sido recentemente reconhecida como um fator adicional de dano vascular nos pacientes com Síndrome Antifosfolípide Primária (SAFP). Esses pacientes podem ser beneficiados com o emprego de métodos para detecção precoce de aterosclerose como a Velocidade de Onda de Pulso (VOP) e o Echo-tracking (ET). Esses métodos têm sido reconhecidos pela capacidade de avaliar de forma não-invasiva a progressão da aterosclerose na parede vascular. Portanto, nosso principal objetivo foi avaliar a aterosclerose prematura nesses pacientes com SAFP. Pacientes e Métodos: 27 pacientes do sexo feminino com SAFP definida pelos critérios de Sapporo e 27 pacientes controles pareadas por sexo, idade e índice de massa corpórea foram selecionadas de forma consecutiva. Todas as pacientes sofreram trombose e foram subdivididas de acordo com o sítio vascular: arterial (n=12) e venoso (n=11). Os critérios de exclusão foram: idade > 55 anos, raça negra, hipertensão descontrolada, uso de corticosteróides e estatinas, diabetes, dislipidemia prévia, gravidez, menopausa, outras trombofilias, colagenoses, doenças vasculares de outras etiologias, obesidade definido por Índice de massa corpórea (IMC) >30 m/kg2 e tabagismo. Todas as pacientes foram submetidas à VOP no leito fêmoro-carotídeo (Complior) e echo-tracking pelo Wall Track System no leito carotídeo para avaliação das propriedades funcionais dos vasos. Resultados: Ambos os grupos SAFP e controles não mostraram diferença em relação à idade (41.5 ± 9.3 vs. 41.2 ± 10.2 anos; p=0.92) e IMC (22.7 ± 3.4 vs. 22.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2; p=0.91). Todas as pacientes apresentaram VOP semelhante às controles (p=0.34), o espessamento íntima-média (EIM) foi semelhante nos dois grupos (p=0.29) assim como os demais parâmetros do echo-tracking como o diâmetro carotídeo (p=0.26), a distensibilidade (p=0.92), os coeficientes de complacência (p=0.36) e o módulo elástico (p=0.78). A pressão sistólica (PS) das pacientes estava aumentada em relação às controles (p=0.02). De acordo com o sítio de trombose, as pacientes com eventos arteriais demonstraram um aumento na VOP em relação àquelas com eventos venosos (p=0.01) mesmo com mesmo EIM (p=0.52). Ambos resultados não foram influenciados pela idade ou duração de doença. Os níveis de colesterol total (p=0.002), LDL (p=0.02) e apolipoproteína B (p=0.03) foram mais altos nas pacientes com SAFP com eventos arteriais exclusivos. Na análise multivariada, observamos correlação da VOP com a idade (r=0.584; p=0.001) e com o diâmetro do vaso (DV) (r=0.407; p=0.04). Foi observada uma correlação positiva da VOP com o colesterol total (r=0.507, p=0.01), LDL (r=0.402, p=0.05), e triglicérides (r=0.583, p=0.003). O EIM apresentou correlação direta com o DV (r=0.393; p=0.04) e com a distensibilidade (r=0.373, p=0.05). Conclusão: A aterosclerose na SAFP apresenta curso peculiar e de forma precoce. A VOP foi um método mais adequado para detectar a disfunção vascular secundária à rigidez arterial, visto que, não foram detectadas alterações vasculares funcionais pelo ET. / Objective: Premature and accelerated atherosclerosis has been recently recognized as an additional vascular damage in Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome (PAPS). These patients could benefit from non-invasive diagnostic methods to detect atherosclerosis as the Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) and the Echo-Tracking (ET) device. By precise measurement of arterial stiffness, these methods output an indirect way to evaluate the vascular wall lesion progression. Our main objective was to evaluate premature atherosclerosis in PAPS.PATIENTS AND METHODS: 27 female patients with PAPS (Sapporo criteria) and 27 age-, body mass index- and sex-matched controls were consecutively selected. All PAPS patients had previous thrombosis and were subdivided according to the type of vascular exclusive event: arterial (n=12) and venous (n=11). Exclusion criteria were: age >55 years, black race, uncontrolled hypertension, smoking, diabetes, previous dyslipidemia, other thrombophilias, vascular and collagen diseases, corticosteroids and statins use, pregnancy, menopause, and obesity defined as body mass index (BMI)>30 m/kg2. All subjects underwent the PWV in femoral-carotidal bed (Complior) and echo-tracking by a Wall Track System in carotidal bed to analyze vascular wall functional properties. RESULTS: Both groups PAPS and controls did not show any difference regarding age (41.5 ± 9.3 vs. 41.2 ± 10.2 years; p=0.92) and BMI (22.7 ± 3.4 vs. 22.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2; p=0.91). All PAPS patients had PWV values similar to controls (p=0.34). Intima-media thickness (IMT) was also similar between groups (p=0.29) as well as all the other echo tracking parameters such as carotideal diameter (p=0.26), distensibility (p=0.92), compliance coefficients (p=0.36), and elastic modulus (p=0.78) were similar among groups. A higher systolic blood pressure was observed was observed in PAPS patients than controls (p=0.02). According to the site of thrombosis, PAPS patients with exclusive arterial events showed a higher PWV compared to those with venous (p=0.01) but had similar IMT (p=0.52). Both results were not influenced by age or disease duration. Total cholesterol (p=0.002), LDL (p=0.02), and apolipoprotein B (p=0.03) levels were higher in PAPS with exclusive arterial events compared to those with exclusive venous events. Multivariate analysis in PAPS showed that PWV was related to age (r=0.584; p=0.001) and blood vessel diameter (VD) (r=0.407; p=0.04). Moreover, PWV did also positively correlated with total cholesterol (r=0.507, p=0.01), LDL (r=0.402, p=0.05), and triglycerides (r=0.583, p=0.003). IMT also had a positive correlation with VD (r=0.393; p=0.04) and distensibility (r=0.373; p= 0.05). CONCLUSION: Atherosclerosis in PAPS has a peculiar course with an early onset, remarkably in those patients with arterial events. PWV was a sensible method to detect impaired functional vessel related to stiffness since no significant changes were observed in functional vascular properties by Echo- Tracking (ET) device.