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Bi-fong Lin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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different dietary fats influence serum and tissue lipids and anti Cardiolipin Antibody levels in autoimmune prone nzb w f1 mice
British Journal of Nutrition, 1999Co-Authors: Shih-chen Chang, Bor-luen Chiang, Bi-fong LinAbstract:To investigate the influence of different dietary fats on lipids and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels, autoimmune NZB/W F1 mice were fed on diets containing 200 g dietary fat as palm oil, lard-soyabean oil (1:1, w/w), soyabean oil, rapeseed oil or fish oil/kg. In addition, each dietary fat group was divided into an early-feeding group with feeding from 2 months of age, and a late-feeding group with feeding from 5 months of age. Serum levels of triacylglycerol, phospholipid, cholesterol and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody were measured at regular intervals, and mice were killed at the age of 7 months for analysis of hepatic lipid and fatty acids. The results showed that hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents were lower in mice fed on fish oil than in those fed on palm oil. In contrast, hepatic phospholipid content was higher in mice of the fish oil group than in those of the other four dietary fat groups. Composition profiles for both hepatic and renal oleic acid (18: 1n-9), linoleic acid (18: 2n-6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20: 5n-3) were similar to those of the dietary fats in mice of both early-feeding and late-feeding groups. Fish oil intake decreased arachidonic acid (20: 4n-6) concentration in kidney tissue but not in liver tissue. Serum triacylglycerol, cholesterol and phospholipid levels were lower in mice fed on fish oil than in those fed on palm oil. Immunoglobulin (Ig) M anti-Cardiolipin Antibody was lower for the fish oil group than for the other groups. The IgG anti-Cardiolipin Antibody level was significantly lower in mice fed on fish oil compared with that of the palm oil group only in the early-feeding group. There was a positive correlation between serum IgM anti-Cardiolipin Antibody and phospholipid levels (early-feeding group r 0.902, P < 0.05; late-feeding group r 0.894, P < 0.05). These findings suggest dietary fish oil may affect both lipid levels and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody, contributing to alleviation of the autoimmune process in autoimmune-prone NZB x NZW F1 mice.
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Different dietary fats influence serum and tissue lipids and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels in autoimmune-prone NZB/W F1 mice.
British Journal of Nutrition, 1999Co-Authors: Shih-chen Chang, Bor-luen Chiang, Bi-fong LinAbstract:To investigate the influence of different dietary fats on lipids and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels, autoimmune NZB/W F1 mice were fed on diets containing 200 g dietary fat as palm oil, lard‐ soyabean oil (1 : 1, w/w), soyabean oil, rapeseed oil or fish oil/kg. In addition, each dietary fat group was divided into an early-feeding group with feeding from 2 months of age, and a latefeeding group with feeding from 5 months of age. Serum levels of triacylglycerol, phospholipid, cholesterol and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody were measured at regular intervals, and mice were killed at the age of 7 months for analysis of hepatic lipid and fatty acids. The results showed that hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents were lower in mice fed on fish oil than in those fed on palm oil. In contrast, hepatic phospholipid content was higher in mice of the fish oil group than in those of the other four dietary fat groups. Composition profiles for both hepatic and renal oleic acid (18 : 1n-9), linoleic acid (18 : 2n-6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20 : 5n-3) were similar to those of the dietary fats in mice of both early-feeding and late-feeding groups. Fish oil intake decreased arachidonic acid (20 : 4n-6) concentration in kidney tissue but not in liver tissue. Serum triacylglycerol, cholesterol and phospholipid levels were lower in mice fed on fish oil than in those fed on palm oil. Immunoglobulin (Ig) M anti-Cardiolipin Antibody was lower for the fish oil group than for the other groups. The IgG anti-Cardiolipin Antibody level was significantly lower in mice fed on fish oil compared with that of the palm oil group only in the early-feeding group. There was a positive correlation between serum IgM anti-Cardiolipin Antibody and phospholipid levels (early-feeding group r 0·902, P , 0·05; late-feeding group r 0·894, P , 0·05). These findings suggest dietary fish oil may affect both lipid levels and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody, contributing to alleviation of the autoimmune process in autoimmune-prone NZB〈NZW F1 mice. Systemic lupus erythematosus: Dietary fat: Fish oil: Cardiolipin: Autoimmunity
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dietary fat affects lipids and anti Cardiolipin Antibody levels in autoimmune prone nzb w f1 mice
British Journal of Nutrition, 1997Co-Authors: Bi-fong Lin, Bor-luen Chiang, Su-jen Jeng, Chao-chi HuangAbstract:(Received 10 April 19% - Revised 22 July 19% - Accepted 25 July 19%) Studies in autoimmune-prone NZBlW F1 mice have demonstrated that the amount of dietary fat can affect autoAntibody production and the disease course of autoimmune diseases. Anti-Cardiolipin antibodies have been found to play a major role in thrombus formation and the increase of abortion rate in both human lupus patients and murine lupus. The present study investigated further the effect of dietary fat on lipid and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody production in autoimmune-prone mice. Two groups of NZBm F1 mice were fed on diets containing 200 g dietary fat& and 50 g dietary fatkg respectively, the fat being composed of equal amounts of lard and soyabean oil. Serum levels of lipids, immunoglobulin (Ig) anti-single stranded DNA and anti-Cardiolipin antibodies were followed regularly every month and mice were killed for in vitro experiments after 5 months on the experimental diets. The results showed that serum triacylglycerol concentration was lower in mice fed on the high-fat diet than in those fed on 50 g fatkg. There was no significant difference in hepatic lipid contents; however, the fatty acid contents were different between these two groups. Hepatic linoleic acid (18%-6) and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) concentrations were higher in mice fed on the high-fat diet. There were no significant differences in serum IgM concentrations or IgM anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels between these two groups. However, IgG anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels were higher in mice fed on the high-fat diet at the age of 34 months. Total serum IgG concentration was noted to be higher, but in contrast, serum IgA was lower, in the high-dietary-fat group. These findings suggest that high dietary fat may affect lipid metabolism and autoAntibody levels in autoimmune diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus: Autoimmunity: Cardiolipin
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dietary fat affects lipids and anti Cardiolipin Antibody levels in autoimmune prone nzb w f1 mice
British Journal of Nutrition, 1997Co-Authors: Bi-fong Lin, Bor-luen Chiang, Su-jen Jeng, Chao-chi HuangAbstract:Studies in autoimmune-prone NZB/W F1 mice have demonstrated that the amount of dietary fat can affect autoAntibody production and the disease course of autoimmune diseases. Anti-Cardiolipin antibodies have been found to play a major role in thrombus formation and the increase of abortion rate in both human lupus patients and murine lupus. The present study investigated further the effect of dietary fat on lipid and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody production in autoimmune-prone mice. Two groups of NZB/W F1 mice were fed on diets containing 200 g dietary fat/kg and 50 g dietary fat/kg respectively, the fat being composed of equal amounts of lard and soyabean oil. Serum levels of lipids, immunoglobulin (Ig) anti-single stranded DNA and anti-Cardiolipin antibodies were followed regularly every month and mice were killed for in vitro experiments after 5 months on the experimental diets. The results showed that serum triacylglycerol concentration was lower in mice fed on the high-fat diet than in those fed on 50 g fat/kg. There was no significant difference in hepatic lipid contents; however, the fatty acid contents were different between these two groups. Hepatic linoleic acid (18:2n-6) and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) concentrations were higher in mice fed on the high-fat diet. There were no significant differences in serum IgM concentrations or IgM anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels between these two groups. However, IgG anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels were higher in mice fed on the high-fat diet at the age of 3-4 months. Total serum IgG concentration was noted to be higher, but in contrast, serum IgA was lower, in the high-dietary-fat group. These findings suggest that high dietary fat may affect lipid metabolism and autoAntibody levels in autoimmune diseases.
Bor-luen Chiang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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increased transforming growth factor beta tgf β secreting t cells and iga anti Cardiolipin Antibody levels during acute stage of childhood henoch schonlein purpura
Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 2000Co-Authors: Yaohsu Yang, Miaotzu Huang, Shurung Lin, Yutsan Lin, M J Tsai, Bor-luen ChiangAbstract:Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a small vessel vasculitis characterized by increased serum IgA and IgA-dominant immune complex deposition in lesions. The involvement of IgA implies a probable role for TGF-β, a major factor in IgA production, in the pathogenesis of HSP. Among IgA antibodies, serum IgA anti-Cardiolipin antibodies (aCL) have been found in many diseases, including vasculitis. In addition to the clinical presentations and laboratory parameters, we further investigated the roles of IgA aCL and TGF-β in childhood HSP. Twenty-six Chinese children with the diagnosis of HSP were enrolled. Blood samples from these patients were collected at both acute and convalescent stages. Intracellular staining of lymphocytes was performed to enumerate type 1 (interferon-gamma-secreting), type 2 (IL-4-secreting), and type 3 (TGF-β-secreting) helper T cells. Serum levels of TGF-β were detected by ELISA. Serum IgA aCL of 21 of 26 patients at the acute stage, 11 of them at the convalescent stage, were measured by ELISA. The data showed that IgA aCL serum levels were significantly elevated in patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0·001), and those patients at the convalescent stage (P < 0·001). In addition, TGF-β-secreting T cells were significantly elevated during the acute stage, and decreased at the convalescent stage. Although more studies are needed, the high prevalence of IgA aCL and increased TGF-β-secreting T cells in children with acute HSP revealed some points which should permit a better understanding of the pathogenesis of HSP.
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different dietary fats influence serum and tissue lipids and anti Cardiolipin Antibody levels in autoimmune prone nzb w f1 mice
British Journal of Nutrition, 1999Co-Authors: Shih-chen Chang, Bor-luen Chiang, Bi-fong LinAbstract:To investigate the influence of different dietary fats on lipids and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels, autoimmune NZB/W F1 mice were fed on diets containing 200 g dietary fat as palm oil, lard-soyabean oil (1:1, w/w), soyabean oil, rapeseed oil or fish oil/kg. In addition, each dietary fat group was divided into an early-feeding group with feeding from 2 months of age, and a late-feeding group with feeding from 5 months of age. Serum levels of triacylglycerol, phospholipid, cholesterol and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody were measured at regular intervals, and mice were killed at the age of 7 months for analysis of hepatic lipid and fatty acids. The results showed that hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents were lower in mice fed on fish oil than in those fed on palm oil. In contrast, hepatic phospholipid content was higher in mice of the fish oil group than in those of the other four dietary fat groups. Composition profiles for both hepatic and renal oleic acid (18: 1n-9), linoleic acid (18: 2n-6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20: 5n-3) were similar to those of the dietary fats in mice of both early-feeding and late-feeding groups. Fish oil intake decreased arachidonic acid (20: 4n-6) concentration in kidney tissue but not in liver tissue. Serum triacylglycerol, cholesterol and phospholipid levels were lower in mice fed on fish oil than in those fed on palm oil. Immunoglobulin (Ig) M anti-Cardiolipin Antibody was lower for the fish oil group than for the other groups. The IgG anti-Cardiolipin Antibody level was significantly lower in mice fed on fish oil compared with that of the palm oil group only in the early-feeding group. There was a positive correlation between serum IgM anti-Cardiolipin Antibody and phospholipid levels (early-feeding group r 0.902, P < 0.05; late-feeding group r 0.894, P < 0.05). These findings suggest dietary fish oil may affect both lipid levels and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody, contributing to alleviation of the autoimmune process in autoimmune-prone NZB x NZW F1 mice.
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Different dietary fats influence serum and tissue lipids and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels in autoimmune-prone NZB/W F1 mice.
British Journal of Nutrition, 1999Co-Authors: Shih-chen Chang, Bor-luen Chiang, Bi-fong LinAbstract:To investigate the influence of different dietary fats on lipids and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels, autoimmune NZB/W F1 mice were fed on diets containing 200 g dietary fat as palm oil, lard‐ soyabean oil (1 : 1, w/w), soyabean oil, rapeseed oil or fish oil/kg. In addition, each dietary fat group was divided into an early-feeding group with feeding from 2 months of age, and a latefeeding group with feeding from 5 months of age. Serum levels of triacylglycerol, phospholipid, cholesterol and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody were measured at regular intervals, and mice were killed at the age of 7 months for analysis of hepatic lipid and fatty acids. The results showed that hepatic triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents were lower in mice fed on fish oil than in those fed on palm oil. In contrast, hepatic phospholipid content was higher in mice of the fish oil group than in those of the other four dietary fat groups. Composition profiles for both hepatic and renal oleic acid (18 : 1n-9), linoleic acid (18 : 2n-6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20 : 5n-3) were similar to those of the dietary fats in mice of both early-feeding and late-feeding groups. Fish oil intake decreased arachidonic acid (20 : 4n-6) concentration in kidney tissue but not in liver tissue. Serum triacylglycerol, cholesterol and phospholipid levels were lower in mice fed on fish oil than in those fed on palm oil. Immunoglobulin (Ig) M anti-Cardiolipin Antibody was lower for the fish oil group than for the other groups. The IgG anti-Cardiolipin Antibody level was significantly lower in mice fed on fish oil compared with that of the palm oil group only in the early-feeding group. There was a positive correlation between serum IgM anti-Cardiolipin Antibody and phospholipid levels (early-feeding group r 0·902, P , 0·05; late-feeding group r 0·894, P , 0·05). These findings suggest dietary fish oil may affect both lipid levels and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody, contributing to alleviation of the autoimmune process in autoimmune-prone NZB〈NZW F1 mice. Systemic lupus erythematosus: Dietary fat: Fish oil: Cardiolipin: Autoimmunity
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dietary fat affects lipids and anti Cardiolipin Antibody levels in autoimmune prone nzb w f1 mice
British Journal of Nutrition, 1997Co-Authors: Bi-fong Lin, Bor-luen Chiang, Su-jen Jeng, Chao-chi HuangAbstract:(Received 10 April 19% - Revised 22 July 19% - Accepted 25 July 19%) Studies in autoimmune-prone NZBlW F1 mice have demonstrated that the amount of dietary fat can affect autoAntibody production and the disease course of autoimmune diseases. Anti-Cardiolipin antibodies have been found to play a major role in thrombus formation and the increase of abortion rate in both human lupus patients and murine lupus. The present study investigated further the effect of dietary fat on lipid and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody production in autoimmune-prone mice. Two groups of NZBm F1 mice were fed on diets containing 200 g dietary fat& and 50 g dietary fatkg respectively, the fat being composed of equal amounts of lard and soyabean oil. Serum levels of lipids, immunoglobulin (Ig) anti-single stranded DNA and anti-Cardiolipin antibodies were followed regularly every month and mice were killed for in vitro experiments after 5 months on the experimental diets. The results showed that serum triacylglycerol concentration was lower in mice fed on the high-fat diet than in those fed on 50 g fatkg. There was no significant difference in hepatic lipid contents; however, the fatty acid contents were different between these two groups. Hepatic linoleic acid (18%-6) and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) concentrations were higher in mice fed on the high-fat diet. There were no significant differences in serum IgM concentrations or IgM anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels between these two groups. However, IgG anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels were higher in mice fed on the high-fat diet at the age of 34 months. Total serum IgG concentration was noted to be higher, but in contrast, serum IgA was lower, in the high-dietary-fat group. These findings suggest that high dietary fat may affect lipid metabolism and autoAntibody levels in autoimmune diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus: Autoimmunity: Cardiolipin
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dietary fat affects lipids and anti Cardiolipin Antibody levels in autoimmune prone nzb w f1 mice
British Journal of Nutrition, 1997Co-Authors: Bi-fong Lin, Bor-luen Chiang, Su-jen Jeng, Chao-chi HuangAbstract:Studies in autoimmune-prone NZB/W F1 mice have demonstrated that the amount of dietary fat can affect autoAntibody production and the disease course of autoimmune diseases. Anti-Cardiolipin antibodies have been found to play a major role in thrombus formation and the increase of abortion rate in both human lupus patients and murine lupus. The present study investigated further the effect of dietary fat on lipid and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody production in autoimmune-prone mice. Two groups of NZB/W F1 mice were fed on diets containing 200 g dietary fat/kg and 50 g dietary fat/kg respectively, the fat being composed of equal amounts of lard and soyabean oil. Serum levels of lipids, immunoglobulin (Ig) anti-single stranded DNA and anti-Cardiolipin antibodies were followed regularly every month and mice were killed for in vitro experiments after 5 months on the experimental diets. The results showed that serum triacylglycerol concentration was lower in mice fed on the high-fat diet than in those fed on 50 g fat/kg. There was no significant difference in hepatic lipid contents; however, the fatty acid contents were different between these two groups. Hepatic linoleic acid (18:2n-6) and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) concentrations were higher in mice fed on the high-fat diet. There were no significant differences in serum IgM concentrations or IgM anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels between these two groups. However, IgG anti-Cardiolipin Antibody levels were higher in mice fed on the high-fat diet at the age of 3-4 months. Total serum IgG concentration was noted to be higher, but in contrast, serum IgA was lower, in the high-dietary-fat group. These findings suggest that high dietary fat may affect lipid metabolism and autoAntibody levels in autoimmune diseases.
Richard Steele - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a multi centre evaluation of the intra assay and inter assay variation of commercial and in house anti Cardiolipin Antibody assays
Pathology, 2004Co-Authors: Richard C.w. Wong, Karl W. Baumgart, Emmanuel J. Favaloro, Michelle J. Hendle, Paul Homes, Wendy Pollock, Robert J Wilson, S J Adelstein, Stuart Smith, Richard SteeleAbstract:Summary Aims To assess the intra-assay (intra-run) and inter-assay (inter-run) variation of commercial and in-house IgG and IgM anti-Cardiolipin Antibody (aCL) assays/kits, and to determine an appropriate maximum value for inclusion in consensus guidelines. Methods Frozen aliquots of two patient specimens and one commercial control were sent to nine laboratories for the evaluation of eight commercial kits and one in-house assay. Intra-assay and inter-assay evaluations were performed with all three samples for IgG aCL, and one patient specimen for IgM aCL. Results The IgG and IgM aCL values varied considerably between the nine assays/kits. The majority of assays/kits demonstrated less than 20% intra-assay and inter-assay variation, with lower intra-assay and inter-assay variation observed with the commercial control. Single calibrator assays were not consistently associated with higher interassay variation than multi-point calibrator assays. Results An inter-assay coefficient of variation of 20% was determined to be an appropriate maximum value for inclusion in the Australasian aCL Working Party consensus guidelines. Improved standardisation between different assay/kits is still required.
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anti Cardiolipin Antibody testing and reporting practices among laboratories participating in a large external quality assurance program
Pathology, 2004Co-Authors: Richard C.w. Wong, Wendy Pollock, Richard Steele, Robert J Wilson, David GillisAbstract:Summary Aims To investigate differences in anti-Cardiolipin Antibody (aCL) testing and reporting practices among diagnostic laboratories participating in the RCPA Quality Assurance Program (QAP) Immunology Program. Methods A survey was sent to all 58 laboratories enrolled for aCL testing in the RCPA QAP Program requesting the following information: (1) manufacturer/type of assay; (2) isotype tested; (3) use of calibrators and controls; (4) whether calibrators, control and patient specimens were performed in singles or duplicates; (5) whether results were reported semi-quantitatively and/or numerically; (6) values used to define negative/positive and semi-quantitative cutoffs and how they were determined; and (7) whether interpretative comments were provided and their content. Results Thirty-two surveys (55%) were received. Significant differences were present particularly in the following areas: (1) whether IgM isotype aCL testing was performed routinely or only on specific request; (2) whether controls/calibrators/ specimens were tested in singles or duplicates; (3) whether results were reported numerically and/or semi-quantitatively; (4) the values used to define negative/positive and semiquantitative range cut-offs; and (5) whether interpretative comments were provided and their content. Conclusions These differences in testing and reporting practices are likely to contribute to the variation in aCL results reported by different laboratories, particularly among those using the same assay.
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Consensus guidelines on anti-Cardiolipin Antibody testing and reporting
Pathology, 2004Co-Authors: Richard C.w. Wong, David Gillis, Stephen Adelstein, Karl W. Baumgart, Emmanuel J. Favaloro, Michelle J. Hendle, Paul Homes, Wendy Pollock, Stewart M. Smith, Richard SteeleAbstract:Consensus guidelines on anti‐Cardiolipin Antibody (aCL) testing have been developed to help minimise laboratory variation in the performance and reporting of aCL assays. These guidelines include minimum, optimum and optional recommendations for the following aspects of aCL testing and reporting: (1) isotype of aCL tested; (2) specimen type; (3) controls and assay precision; (4) calibrators; (5) patient samples; (6) rheumatoid factors and IgM aCL testing; (7) reporting of results; (8) cut‐off values; and (9) interpretative comments.Abbreviations: aCL, anti‐Cardiolipin antibodies; APS, anti‐phospholipid Antibody syndrome; ASCIA, Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy; ASTH, Australasian Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis; β2‐GPI=β2‐glycoprotein I ; ELISA, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; NCCLS, National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards; HSANZ, Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand; QAP, Quality Assurance Program; RCPA, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia;...
S. Zielinski - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Influence of Cardiolipin antibodies on the binding of treponemal specific antibodies in the fluorescence treponemal Antibody absorption test and the Treponema pallidum immobilisation test.
Journal of Medical Microbiology, 1997Co-Authors: Hertha-lore Borkhardt, S. ZielinskiAbstract:The aim of the present study was to investigate the biological role of Cardiolipin antibodies during Treponema pallidum infection. Inhibition of the binding of treponemal specific antibodies at the early and late stages of infection by Cardiolipin antibodies was shown in the fluorescence treponemal Antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test and T. pallidum immobilisation (TPI) test. Incubation of treponemes with Cardiolipin antibodies followed by a second incubation with treponemal specific antibodies resulted in a reduction of the titres of the FTA-ABS test and the TPI test. The findings suggest that Cardiolipin Antibody production should be considered as a virulence mechanism of pathogenic treponemes with the purpose of evading the host defence mechanisms.
Mona Amin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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cardiac involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and correlation of valvular lesions with anti ro ss a and anti la ss b Antibody levels
Modern Rheumatology, 2004Co-Authors: Amira A Shahin, Hesham A Shahin, Magdy Abdel Hamid, Mona AminAbstract:The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of morphologic and functional cardiac abnormalities in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to correlate the findings with levels of anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-La/SS-B, and anti-Cardiolipin Antibody (aCL). Sixty-two patients with SLE were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent complete history taking, clinical assessment, and standard two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography. Anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-La/SS-B, and aCL levels were measured using a standardized ELISA test. The patients were subdivided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of valvular involvement. The two subgroups were then compared. Valvular involvement was present in 19 patients (30.6%), pericardial effusion in 12 patients (19.4%), impaired left ventricular relaxation abnormalities in 2 patients (3.2%), and pulmonary hypertension in 3 patients (4.8%). More patients in the valvular involvement group had positive anti-Ro/SS-A antibodies than in the valvular noninvolvement group (7/19 vs. 4/43). The difference was significant, with P ≪ 0.01. Serum levels of anti-Ro/SS-A levels were significantly higher in the valvular involvement group (33.7 ± 36.0 vs. 13.7 ± 25.1; P ≪ 0.01), as were the serum anti-La/SS-B levels (21.9 ± 23.5 vs. 10.7 ± 17.8; P ≪ 0.05). The results suggest a causative correlation between anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies and the pathogenesis of the valvular lesions in SLE patients.