Does reduction of circulating soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 play a significant role in renal dysfunction-associated aggravation of atherosclerosis?
The present study demonstrates that a reduction in the circulating levels of sFlt-1 is associated with the worsening of atherosclerosis that accompanies renal dysfunction.
Our results suggest that the use of RNP-70 and SmD antigens may increase the practical value of immunoassays used to confirm a diagnosis of SLE or MCTD in patients with connective tissue disease.