Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)—the prototype of immune complex diseases—is characterised by disturbances of the cellular and humoral immune systems. Antibodies against nuclear components are the hallmark of SLE, but a number of antibodies against proteins, glycoproteins, and carbohydrates have also been reported. Dyslipoproteinaemia and accelerated atherosclerosis that commonly lead to coronary artery disease and other complications are recognised sequelae.1-3 The role of autoimmunity in the aetiology of atherosclerosis has recently been highlighted.1-3Increased levels of antibodies against oxidised low density lipoprotein, lysophosphatidylcholine, and apolipoprotein A1 were found in patients with SLE.4 ,5 As reported earlier, we have shown marked alterations of anticholesterol antibody (ACHA) levels in patients with various atherosclerotic vascular disorders.6In this study ACHA levels of patients with SLE were compared with those of healthy donors.

Sixty eight patients (64 women, four men), aged 39.4 (10.6) (mean (SD)) years, who fulfilled at least four of the diagnostic criteria established by the American Rheumatism Association for SLE7 and 60 healthy donors (55 women, five men), …