Circulating activated endothelial cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: Further evidence for diffuse vasculopathy

Abstract

Elevated levels of CEC observed in patients with active SLE may represent a marker of endothelial injury. The activated phenotype of these cells suggests that they may be capable of further potentiating vascular injury by the production of inflammatory and prothrombotic mediators and engaging in heterotypic aggregation with neutrophils or platelets.