Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with symptoms ranging from skin related problems to more severe cardiovascular effects. The heterogenous representation of the disease might be the reason for the lack of efficient treatment.In this study, the authors have utilised the Karolinska lupus cohort that consists of 320 SLE patients and 320 age-matched controls. Two main subgroups were defined: One group was defined as having SSA and SSB antibodies and a negative lupus anticoagulant test (LAC), that is, a ‘Sjögren-like’ group. The other group was defi ned as being negative for SSA and SSB antibodies but positive in the LAC test. According to previous studies these patients are at increased risk for cardiovascular events as compared to the ‘Sjörgren-like’ group. A pilot study was designed and EDTA-plasma from selected patients in these two groups and controls were analysed using a proteomic and metabolomic approach. Pathway analysis was then ... … Read entire article »