ANTIBODIES TO ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS IN BORDERLINE HYPERTENSION

Background-Antibodies to endothelial cells (aECs) and to cardiolipin ( aCLs) are implicated in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythe matosus vasculitis. beta(2)-Glycoprotein 1 (beta 2GP1) is a cofactor f or aCLs. The present study investigated the possible role of aECs, aCL s, and a beta 2GP1 in borderline hypertension. Methods and Results-Sev enty-three men with borderline hypertension (BHT) and 73 age-matched n ormotensive (NT) men (diastolic blood pressure, 85 to 94 and <80 mm Hg , respectively) were recruited from a population screening program. An tibody levels were determined by ELISA. Presence of carotid atheroscle rosis was determined by B-mode ultrasonography, and 29 individuals had atherosclerotic plaques. BHT men had significantly higher aEC and a b eta 2GP1 levels of IgG class than NT control subjects (P=0.029 and P=0 .0001, respectively), aEC levels of IgM class were higher in BHT (P=0. 012), but not a beta 2GP1 levels. There was no correlation between aCL levels and BHT. Individuals with atherosclerotic plaques had signific antly higher aEC levels of both IgG (P=0.042) and IgM subclasses (P=0. 018) than those without plaques, but no difference was found in aCL an d a beta 2GP1 levels. Endothelin and aECs of IgM class were significan tly associated. Conclusions-We demonstrate the first evidence of a sig nificant elevation of aEC and a beta 2GP1 levels in borderline hyperte nsion. These findings provide a new link between hypertension and athe rosclerosis and indicate that humoral immune reactions to the endothel ium may play an important role in both conditions.