FASLG and systemic lupus erythematosus: Additionally, several SLE associated risk factors have been identified such as pro-thrombotic antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) [4,7,8], accelerated endothelial cell apoptosis and impaired repair of damaged endothelium [9,10], oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) [11], pro-inflammatory high density lipoprotein (HDL) [12], genetic susceptibility [13] and decreased endothelial binding of annexin V [14].