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Fig. 1 | Arthritis Research & Therapy

Fig. 1

From: Nocturnal blood pressure dipping as a marker of endothelial function and subclinical atherosclerosis in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Fig. 1

Conceptual model of the continuum of subclinical atherosclerosis and available measures of vascular health. Inflammatory states downregulate endothelium-dependent nitric oxide production and increase expression of adhesion molecules, leading to the inability to regulate vascular tone, cellular adhesion, and thrombosis that characterizes endothelial dysfunction. Subsequent maladaptive cellular changes result in increased arterial stiffness and thickening of the intimal-medial layers. RHI, reactive hyperemia index measures nitric oxide-dependent vasodilatory responses; PWV, pulse wave velocity and analysis approximate arterial stiffness; IMT, intima-media thickness by carotid ultrasound measures structural remodeling, which precedes plaque formation

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