Role of Autoantibodies Against Self-Proteins, Mitochondrial Cellular Antigens, and Some Complement Proteins (C3 and C4) in Patients with Atherosclerosis

Abstract Background: Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic arterial inflammatory disease, has drawn widespread attention due to its persistent progression and significant problems later in life. Some causes are contributing to atherosclerosis development, including autoantibodies and cellular immunity, both contributing to damage of the vessel wall. Objectives: This case-control study aimed to explore the role of autoantibodies and other components of the immunity system on the development of atherosclerotic plaque from stable to unstable angina. Materials and Methods: The colorimetric method was used to measure the concentration of lipid profiles, whereas the antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA), and anti-extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Finally, the complement components C3 and C4 were measured using nephelometry. Results: The results found that the male patients showed a higher frequency (66.6%) compared to females (33.4%). Furthermore, antibodies (Abs) against the self-protein antigen (ANA) were increased in the serum level of patients (82.2 ± 10.2) to healthy controls (12.2 ± 2.6) with a high significant difference ( P = 0.008). Additionally, the concentration of Abs against mitochondrial antigens illustrated a high significant difference ( P = 0.001) between the mean of patients (22.0 ± 2.4) and in healthy controls (3.4 ± 0.9). Notably, the odd ratio (OR) of the results of the antibody tests was high. Furthermore, C3 and C4 were also raised in the serum compared control group, with a highly significant difference. Conclusion: The antibodies against self-proteins, particularly mitochondrial antigens, are considered risk factors for increasing atherosclerosis plaque and developing unstable angina.