SLE patients with CVD had significantly higher levels of leptin, homocysteine, triglycerides, and oxLDL.Higher carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was observed in SLE patients with CVD compared to controls.Inflammatory markers (e.g., hsCRP, lupus anticoagulants) were more elevated in SLE with CVD. The gene discussed is LEP; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.