Serum metabolomic signatures can predict sub-clinical atherosclerosis in patients with SLE

Objective: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Standard serum lipid measurements in clinical practice do not predict CVD risk in SLE patients. More detailed analysis of lipoprotein taxonomy could identify better predictors of CVD risk in SLE. Approach: Eighty patients with SLE and no history of CVD underwent carotid and femoral ultrasound scans; 30 had atherosclerosis plaques (SLE-P) and 50 had no plaques (SLE-NP). Serum samples obtained at the time of the scan. 228 serum metabolites and lipids were quantified using an established nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy platform (Nightingale Health). The dataset includes absolute concentrations (mmol), and relative measures (ratios, percentages) from 39 healthy controls (HCs), 50 SLE-NP, and 30 SLE-P.