title: The interplay between the antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was firstly described in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but it was recognized also as a primary APS (PAPS) form. These forms are not always distinguishable, since they show some common clinical/serological manifestations. We actually may deal with: (1) patients initially classified as PAPS gradually developing SLE; (2) patients with SLE and associated APS, whose complications generally affect morbidity and mortality; (3) patients with SLE and positive antiphospholipid antibodies without APS manifestations; the relevant issue in such patients is to provide effective prophylaxis. The close relationship between PAPS and SLE is also supported by: (i) nuclear autoimmunity and (ii) complement activation at least in animal models of APS. Future studies on the genetic background and/or on regulatory suppressive mechanisms may clarify how and why PAPS can evolve into SLE.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy. tincani@bresciareumatologia.it
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tincani
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Andreoli
authors.forename: Cecilia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Chighizola
authors.forename: Pier Luigi
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Meroni
mesh_terms: D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / Q000276:immunology; D016736:Antiphospholipid Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D017152:Antibodies, Antiphospholipid