All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Antibodies to endothelium in the serum
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Normally, there are no antibodies to the endothelium in the blood serum.
Antibodies to vascular endothelium are quite often found in vasculitis, especially in Kawasaki disease. It is assumed that antibodies to the endothelium can damage endothelial cells through complement-dependent cytolysis or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. In Kawasaki disease, antibodies to the endothelium are produced in response to the Kawasaki antigen (possibly a virus) localized on the endothelial membrane.
Anti-endothelial antibodies are detected in 15-85% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 10-87% of rheumatoid arthritis, 30% of patients with systemic scleroderma and less often in its variant - CREST syndrome. In primary Sjögren's syndrome, detection of antibodies to the endothelium is associated with peripheral neuropathy, and in polymyositis / dermatomyositis - with interstitial lung disease. In systemic lupus erythematosus and in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, detection of antibodies to the endothelium correlates with hyperproduction of antibodies to cardiolipin, kidney damage, thrombotic disorders and damage to the heart valves.
[