Antibodies to endothelial cells in borderline hypertension

Background-Antibodies to endothelial cells (aECs) and to cardiolipin (aCLs) are implicated in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus vasculitis. beta(2)-Glycoprotein 1 (beta 2GP1) is a cofactor for aCLs. The present study investigated the possible role of aECs, aCLs, and a beta 2GP1 in borderline hypertension. Methods and Results-Seventy-three men with borderline hypertension (BHT) and 73 age-matched normotensive (NT) men (diastolic blood pressure, 85 to 94 and <80 mm Hg, respectively) were recruited from a population screening program. Antibody levels were determined by ELISA. Presence of carotid atherosclerosis was determined by B-mode ultrasonography, and 29 individuals had atherosclerotic plaques. BHT men had significantly higher aEC and a beta 2GP1 levels of IgG class than NT control subjects (P=0.029 and P=0.0001, respectively), aEC levels of IgM class were higher in BHT (P=0.012), but not a beta 2GP1 levels. There was no correlation between aCL levels and BHT. Individuals with atherosclerotic plaques had significantly higher aEC levels of both IgG (P=0.042) and IgM subclasses (P=0.018) than those without plaques, but no difference was found in aCL and a beta 2GP1 levels. Endothelin and aECs of IgM class were significantly associated. Conclusions-We demonstrate the first evidence of a significant elevation of aEC and a beta 2GP1 levels in borderline hypertension. These findings provide a new link between hypertension and atherosclerosis and indicate that humoral immune reactions to the endothelium may play an important role in both conditions.