Dyslipoproteinemia is common in lupus patients. In this study, we investigated the pattern of dyslipoproteinemia in the course of active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in possible association with anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies. Forty-six lupus patients under 45 years old who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology revised criteria for the classification of SLE were selected. The exclusion criteria were renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, thyroid or liver disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, pregnancy and taking drugs that induce dyslipidemia. Disease activity was measured by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Comparison of the lipid profiles, between active and inactive groups determined high levels of serum TG and VLDL and low levels of serum HDL in active group in comparison with inactive group (P < 0.05). The results indicated that the levels of TG and VLDL were significantly elevated in the patients with positive anti-dsDNA (P < 0.05). Although, the mean of serum HDL levels was also lower in patients with positive anti-dsDNA, the difference was not significant. This pattern of dyslipoproteinemia in active SLE may be associated with the autoimmune mechanisms especially in relation to the presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies.

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Background: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the major causes of mortality in most countries. Electrocardiography (ECG) and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) are non-invasive disgnostic tests for CAD. Finding a relationship between abnormal findings in the baseline ECG and MPI findings can be helpful in better diagnosis of CAD. Materials and Methods: The present study examined ECG of patients who underwent MPI and categorized them into three groups: normal ECG, abnormal ST-T change, and abnormal Q or fragmented QRS. The quantitative and semi-quantitative parameters as well as visual interpretation of MPI were compared among the three groups. Results: Finally, 230 patients entered the study, including 92 patients (40.0%) with normal ECG, 86 patients (37.4%) with ST-T changes and 52 patients (22.6%) with fQRS-Q complex abnormality. In total, 77 patients (33.5%) had positive MPI scan. There were significant differences between the normal and ST-T subgroups with Q-fQRS group for all quantitative and semi-quantitative variables, however, normal and ST-T groups were significantly different only in terms of SSS, SDS and TPDs. Frequency of abnormal MPI was significantly higher in Q-fQRS group. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that myocardial ischemia is more frequent in patients with baseline ST-T ECG changes. In addition, Q-fQRS abnormality is associated with higher rates of both myocardial scar and ischemia in MPI.