Accelerated atherosclerosis: an extraarticular feature of rheumatoid arthritis?

[Influence of smoking, nutrition and other modifiable environmental factors on rheumatoid arthritis]

Numerous reports in recent years have focused on the influence of environmental factors on rheumatoid arthritis. This article provides an overview of the current study situation on the influence of modifiable environmental factors on the development and course of rheumatoid arthritis. Lifestyle factors, such as cigarette smoking, diet, exercise and body weight can be individually influenced. Factors such as air pollution and socioeconomic status can be influenced by environmental and sociopolitical measures at a public level. Epidemiological studies have identified nicotine abuse, an unhealthy diet and obesity as well as a low level of education and social status as risk factors for the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Numerous factors are also associated with a poorer response to treatment and a worse prognosis. As randomized interventional studies on most environmental factors are hardly feasible, the causal relationship of the individual factors to the incidence and progression of rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to quantify. Nevertheless, the current evidence already enables the provision of appropriate counselling to patients with rheumatoid arthritis with respect to a healthy lifestyle including abstaining from cigarette smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, physical activity and avoiding obesity.

Higher levels of markers for early atherosclerosis in anti-citrullinated protein antibodies positive individuals at risk for RA, a cross sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To identify differences in levels of serum biomarkers associated with atherosclerosis between anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) positive groups.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were used from the Dutch Lifelines Cohort Study combined with data derived from RA risk and early RA studies conducted at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). Serum biomarkers of inflammation, endothelial cell activation, tissue remodeling and adipokine, which were previously associated with atherosclerosis, were measured with Luminex in four ACPA positive groups with different characteristics: without joint complaints, with joint complaints, RA risk and early RA groups.

RESULTS

Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 (TNFR1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly higher in the RA risk and early RA groups compared to the joint complaints and the no joint complaints groups. The difference remained statistically significant after correcting for renal function, smoking and hypertension in multivariate logistic regression analysis, with focus on ACPA positive with joint complaints group versus RA risk group: CRP OR = 2.67, p = 0.033; IL-6 OR = 3.73, p = 0.019; TNFR1 OR = 1.003, p < 0.001; VGEF OR = 8.59, p = 0.019.

CONCLUSION

Individuals at risk for RA have higher levels of inflammatory markers and VEGF, which suggests that they might also have a risk of higher cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, this does not apply to individuals with ACPA positivity with self-reported joint complaints or without joint complaints only. Therefore, it is important that individuals with RA risk are referred to a rheumatologist to rule in or out arthritis/development of RA and discuss CVD risk.

Anti TNF-Alpha Treatment Improves Microvascular Endothelial Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Nailfold capillaroscopy is a non-invasive investigation, which allows for the study of the microvasculature (anatomical and functional). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular atherosclerotic diseases, with endothelial dysfunction (macrovascular and microvascular) representing the first step in atherosclerosis development. The aim of this study is represented by the assessment of microvascular endothelial dysfunction in RA patients by means of nailfold capillaroscopy and to assess its evolution after a period of 12 months of anti TNF-alpha treatment. The study included 70 consecutive patients with RA and 70 healthy subjects, matched for age and gender, as the control group. Rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, serum TNF-α, C reactive protein, and erythrocytes sedimentation rate were evaluated in all patients, but in controls, only rheumatoid factor, serum TNF-α, C reactive protein, and erythrocytes sedimentation rate were measured. The RA activity was measured by DAS28. Nailfold capillaroscopy was carried out in all patients and controls, determining the baseline nailfold capillary density (Db), nailfold capillary density during reactive hyperemia (Dh), and nailfold capillary density after venous congestion (Dc). Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Pearson's correlation, with p < 0.05 being statistically significant. Db, Dh, and Dc were lower in RA patients than in controls (p < 0.0001), correlating with RA activity and TNF-α (p < 0.05). After 12 months of anti TNF-α treatment, microvascular endothelial dysfunction improved (p < 0.0001). Microvascular endothelial dysfunction can be assessed by nailfold capillaroscopy, with anti TNF-α medication contributing to its improvement.

Incidence Rate of Cardiovascular Events in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Observational Cohort Study in Saudi Arabia

Purpose

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doubles the morbidity of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and leads to a 50% increase in mortality compared to the general population. This study aims to estimate the CVD incidence among RA patients in Saudi Arabia (SA), vital for assessing CVD burdens within this group.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective study took place at two centers in the Eastern Province of SA, including all adult RA patients who visited the rheumatology clinic from 2016 to 2021 and were prescribed disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). CVD incidence was determined by the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), venous thromboembolism (VTE), heart failure (HF), and arrhythmia post-RA diagnosis. Additional data collected included demographics, CVD risk factors, comorbidities, RA-related factors, and medication usage.

Results

The study comprised 651 patients, 80.5% of whom were females with an average age of 51. The overall CVD incidence was 11.2 per 1000 person-years, with males experiencing five times more incidents than females. The prevalence of CVD risk factors included 18.7% with hypertension, 7.8% with hyperlipidemia, 18.9% with diabetes, and 42.9% with obesity. Significant predictors of CVD were male gender and RA duration, with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 3.17 (95% CI 1.10 to 9.14, P=0.033) and 64.81 (95% CI 3.68 to 1140.6, P=0.004), respectively.

Conclusion

This unique study from SA examined the CVD incidence in RA patients, identifying long disease duration and male gender as significant predictors. Effective reduction of CVD risk in RA patients requires aggressive management of modifiable risk factors and regular risk assessments.

Risk for cardiovascular disease development in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have significant cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis on cardiovascular morbidity association with cardiovascular risk factors risk factors. Mortality report is secondary just to show trends without sufficient statistical power as it is accidental endpoint.

METHODS

A total of 201 individuals without previous cardiovascular disease, 124 with rheumatoid arthritis (investigation group) and 77 with osteoarthritis (control group), were included in the study and followed up for an average of 8 years to assess the development of fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular diseases. The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors were also investigated.

RESULTS

The total incidence of one or more fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular events was 43.9% in the investigation group and 37.5% in the control group. Of these patients, 31.7% and 30.9% survived cardiovascular events in the investigation and control groups, respectively. The most common cardiovascular disease among participants who completed the study and those who died during the study was chronic heart failure. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that strict inflammation control plays a central role in lowering cardiovascular risk.

CONCLUSION

A multidisciplinary approach to these patients is of paramount importance, especially with the cooperation of immunologists and cardiologists for early detection, prevention, and management of cardiovascular risks and diseases.

The Influence of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis on the Occurrence of Arterial Hypertension: An 8-Year Prospective Clinical Observational Cohort Study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, including a 50-60% increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Arterial hypertension (HT) is considered the major contributing risk factor for CVD development in RA patients. In this investigation, we compared the incidence and prevalence of HT between RA and osteoarthritis (OA) and the influence of HT on CVD development in CVD-naive patients in both groups. This was a prospective clinical cohort investigation with an 8-year follow-up period. A total of 201 participants, 124 with RA (investigation group) and 77 with OA (control group), without diagnosed CVD or symptomatic heart failure were included. After selection according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, both groups underwent initial and final visits, and the investigation group underwent annual visits to assess disease activity. Case report forms were completed for each visit. The obtained data were analyzed by a statistician. No difference in the incidence or prevalence of HT was found between the investigation and control groups. No difference in the prevalence of HT was reported between the study groups and age-standardized data from the general population. The investigation group had a higher incidence of CVD than the control group. RA participants with long-term remission had a marginally lower HT prevalence. Although previous studies reported a higher HT prevalence in RA than in OA and the general population, our findings did not support this. The RA group had a higher incidence of CVD, but it is possible that optimal disease control with long-term remission could reduce HT incidence and prevalence while also having beneficial effects on other cardiovascular risk factors (CV) and, consequently, CVD occurrence.

Association between atherosclerosis and primary Sjogren's syndrome: A cross-sectional study

Background and Aims

Atherosclerosis (AS) risk increases in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. The association and mechanism between primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) and AS haven't been explained for now. We did this cross-sectional study to clarify the prevalence and risk factors of AS in patients with pSS, and to further explore how immune cells and inflammatory cytokines work in the process.

Methods

Patients with pSS were enrolled. General information, AS events, immune cells, inflammatory cytokines, and related clinical data were recorded. Prevalence of AS events was calculated. Correlation analysis between immune factors and AS quantitative parameters were conducted by SPSS v20.0.

Results

A total of 155 pSS patients were included with a median Framingham 10-year risk of 7%. Sixty-four AS events were recorded, with a prevalence of 41.3%. Carotid intima-media thickness was positively correlated to immunoglobulin (Ig) A (r = 0.245, p = 0.030) and negatively correlated to IgM (r = -0.227, p = 0.045). Left ankle-brachial pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was positively correlated to the course of disease (r = 0.352, p = 0.004), B cells (r = 0.410, p = 0.001), and T helper (Th) cells (r = 0.284, p = 0.029), while negatively correlated to IgM (r = -0.257, p = 0.042). Right baPWV was positively correlated to the course of pSS (r = 0.319, p = 0.010), B cells (r = 0.453, p < 0.001), Th cells (r = 0.302, p = 0.020), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (r = 0.286, p = 0.042). Use of hydroxychloroquine, cyclophosphamide, and glucocorticoids had no impact on AS events.

Conclusion

The prevalence of AS in patients with pSS is reported to be 41.3%. Several risk factors have been associated with AS in these patients, including the duration of the disease, levels of Th cells, B lymphocytes, and CRP. Interestingly, IgM appears to have a protective effect against AS. It is worth noting that traditional therapy for pSS does not seem to have any effect in preventing AS events.

The importance of microvascular inflammation in ageing and age-related diseases: a position paper from the ESH working group on small arteries, section of microvascular inflammation

Microcirculation is pervasive and orchestrates a profound regulatory cross-talk with the surrounding tissue and organs. Similarly, it is one of the earliest biological systems targeted by environmental stressors and consequently involved in the development and progression of ageing and age-related disease. Microvascular dysfunction, if not targeted, leads to a steady derangement of the phenotype, which cumulates comorbidities and eventually results in a nonrescuable, very high-cardiovascular risk. Along the broad spectrum of pathologies, both shared and distinct molecular pathways and pathophysiological alteration are involved in the disruption of microvascular homeostasis, all pointing to microvascular inflammation as the putative primary culprit. This position paper explores the presence and the detrimental contribution of microvascular inflammation across the whole spectrum of chronic age-related diseases, which characterise the 21st-century healthcare landscape. The manuscript aims to strongly affirm the centrality of microvascular inflammation by recapitulating the current evidence and providing a clear synoptic view of the whole cardiometabolic derangement. Indeed, there is an urgent need for further mechanistic exploration to identify clear, very early or disease-specific molecular targets to provide an effective therapeutic strategy against the otherwise unstoppable rising prevalence of age-related diseases.

Role of Inflammatory Cytokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Development of Atherosclerosis: A Review

Uncontrolled chronic inflammation results in cardiovascular disease and early death. In this review, we studied the impact of rheumatoid arthritis on the cardiovascular system, including the early and accelerated development of atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations, focusing on the inflammatory mechanisms leading to arterial wall damage, rapid atherosclerotic plaque formation, and thrombosis. Furthermore, the effect of medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis on the cardiovascular system was studied. The effect of chronic inflammation and medication on traditional cardiovascular risk factors is not the main subject of this review. We observed that uncontrolled chronic inflammation and some medications directly impact all the stages of atherosclerosis. In conclusion, reducing inflammation and maintaining long-term remission in rheumatoid arthritis may prevent early atherosclerosis. We believe that this review will encourage a better interdisciplinary approach to the management of these patients and further research in this field.

Effect of a 12-week high-intensity exercise intervention: a comparison of cardiac exercise adaptations during biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug treatment (TNF inhibitors vs IL-6 signalling inhibitors) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis - study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

The chronic inflammatory state in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) augments the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) playing a vital role. Consequently, biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) may attenuate that risk. IL-6 is also a myokine, secreted from exercising skeletal muscles, where IL-6 exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that may ameliorate the risk of CVD. In healthy humans treated with IL-6 signalling inhibitors (IL-6i), exercise induced loss of visceral fat mass and cardiac adaptations were abolished. We hypothesise that IL-6 signalling inhibition will impair the cardiac and metabolic adaptions to exercise training compared with TNF inhibition in RA patients.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

80 RA patients treated with IL-6i (n=40) or TNF inhibitors (n=40) are included in a 12-week randomised investigator-blinded 4×4 min high-intensity interval training (HIIT) study. Patients are stratified for medical treatment and sex and allocated 1:1 to an exercise or a no exercise control group (four groups). The supervised exercise intervention comprises 3 weekly HIIT sessions on an ergometer bicycle. The primary outcome is the change in left ventricular mass (LVM), and key secondary outcome is change in visceral fat mass. Both outcomes are measured by MRI. Primary statistical analysis will evaluate LVM at follow-up in a regression model. Intention-to-treat and per protocol analyses will be conducted. The latter necessitates a minimum attendance rate of 80%, adherence to bDMARDs treatment of ≥80% and minimum 8 min (50%) of maximal heart rate above 85% per session.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the Capital Region Ethics Committee (H-21010559 amendments 86424, 87463 and 88044) and the Danish Medicines Agency (2021-b005287-21). The trial will follow ICH-GCP guidelines. Regardless of outcome, results will be published in relevant peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

Eudra-CT: 2021-b005287-21 and NCT05215509.

Detection of myocardial dysfunction using global longitudinal strain with speckle-tracking echocardiography in patients with vs without rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder primarily involving the peripheral joints. Systemic involvement can occur, including myocardial dysfunction. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a novel diagnostic study which is recently being used to detect subclinical cardiac dysfunction. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) by STE is more sensitive than standard echocardiographic parameters to detect occult cardiac dysfunction.

METHODS

A systematic search of PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases was performed to identify studies comparing the STE parameters between RA and non-RA patients.

RESULTS

Left ventricular (LV) GLS was significantly lower in patients with RA compared to non-RA patients with a standard mean difference (SMD) of -1.09 (-1.48--0.70, P < 0.001). LV Global Circumferential Strain (GCS) was reported in five studies, and it was found to be lower in RA patients with an SMD of -1.25 (-2.59--0.10; P < 0.0010). Meta regression analysis studies failed to show any significant impact of disease duration, activity, age, sex and BMI on LV GLS and RV GLS.

CONCLUSIONS

RA patients have lower LV GLS and LV GCS compared to controls suggesting impaired myocardial dysfunction. Further studies need to be done to delineate the importance of lower GLS in asymptomatic rheumatoid patients to guide disease management and risk factor modification in this selected population.

The Potential Influence of Advanced Glycation End Products and (s)RAGE in Rheumatic Diseases

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a class of compounds formed by nonenzymatic interactions between reducing sugars and proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids. AGEs can alter the protein structure and activate one of their receptors, specifically the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). These phenomena impair the functions of cells, extracellular matrix, and tissues. RAGE is expressed by a variety of cells and has been linked to chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Sjögren's syndrome. The soluble (s)RAGE cleavage product is a positively charged 48-kDa cleavage product that retains the ligand binding site but loses the transmembrane and signaling domains. By acting as a decoy, this soluble receptor inhibits the pro-inflammatory processes mediated by RAGE and its ligands. In the present review, we will give an overview of the role of AGEs, sRAGE, and RAGE polymorphisms in several rheumatic diseases. AGE overproduction may play a role in the pathogenesis and is linked to accelerated atherosclerosis. Low serum sRAGE concentrations are linked to an increased cardiovascular risk profile and a poor prognosis. Some RAGE polymorphisms may be associated with increased disease susceptibility. Finally, sRAGE levels can be used to track disease progression.

Outcomes of the First Episode of STEMI in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients from the National Inpatient Sample Database, 2016-2019

BACKGROUND

Patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a higher burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but conflicting results were seen regarding in-hospital outcomes of STEMI in patients with RA compared to patients without RA.

OBJECTIVES

To compare in-hospital outcomes of the first episode of STEMI between patients with and without RA.

METHODS

The NIS database was used to conduct a retrospective study of U.S. hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of first-time STEMI from 2016 to 2019. We divided our study population into two cohorts, with diagnosis codes for RA and those without RA and compared baseline demographics, comorbidities, and in-hospital outcomes and finally performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusting for baseline factors.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed that patients with RA were statistically more likely to be older, white, and female and had more hypertension, cardiomyopathy, CKD stage 3 or greater and heart failure. However, after adjusting for potential confounders, we found lower inpatient mortality in the first STEMI with RA cohort (adjusted OR: 0.70, 95% CI of 0.56-0.87, p <0.002) compared to the patients without RA. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in rates of in-hospital complications, including repeat MI, acute heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, and stroke.

CONCLUSION

In this study, patients with RA with first STEMI had lower inpatient mortality than those without RA. However, further patient-level studies are needed to understand better the impact of newer biologics and the effect of risk factor modification on this patient subset.

A Role of IL-17 in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Complicated With Atherosclerosis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is mainly caused by joint inflammation. RA significantly increases the probability of cardiovascular disease. Although the progress of RA has been well controlled recently, the mortality of patients with RA complicated with cardiovascular disease is 1.5–3 times higher than that of patients with RA alone. The number of people with atherosclerosis in patients with RA is much higher than that in the general population, and atherosclerotic lesions develop more rapidly in patients with RA, which has become one of the primary factors resulting in the death of patients with RA. The rapid development of atherosclerosis in RA is induced by inflammation-related factors. Recent studies have reported that the expression of IL-17 is significantly upregulated in patients with RA and atherosclerosis. Simultaneously, there is evidence that IL-17 can regulate the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells through various ways and promote the secretion of several cytokines leading to the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. Presently, there is no clear prevention or treatment plan for atherosclerosis in patients with RA. Therefore, this paper explores the mechanism of IL-17 in RA complicated with atherosclerosis and shows the reasons for the high incidence of atherosclerosis in patients with RA. It is hoped that the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis in patients with RA can be diagnosed or prevented in time in the early stage of lesions, and the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular complications in patients with RA can be enhanced to reduce mortality.

Carotid Artery Pathology in Inflammatory Diseases

There is considerable evidence that patients with inflammatory conditions are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular (CV) disease including carotid artery stenosis. CV disease accounts for 35-50% of the excess mortality in patients with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, with cerebrovascular disease being the second leading cause of death. We review current evidence regarding the association of inflammatory conditions and specifically carotid artery disease. Clinical epidemiological observations suggest that mechanisms other than classic risk factors may promote accelerated atherogenesis in rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis and carotid artery disease is increased in individuals with these conditions. Additional studies to better understand the underlying mechanisms and targeted strategies to mitigate such risk are indicated. For now, lifestyle modifications, aggressive treatment of risk factors and lipid lowering therapy in appropriate individuals is indicated.

Comparison of Incidence of Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) when compared to the general population, with most deaths attributed to myocardial infarctions (MI). However, patients with RA do not get the same attention in terms of cardiovascular screening as compared to other diseases, like diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, this study aims to compare the risk of CVD among patients with RA and DM. Methods This prospective study was carried out in Pakistan's two tertiary care hospitals. A total of 750 participants were enrolled in three groups with a 1:1:1 ratio; patients with RA, type 2 DM, and the control group. Patients were observed for 12 months or until the development of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), whichever occurred first. Results Both fatal (12.66% vs. 13.48%; p-value: 0.79) and non-fatal (3.93% vs. 4.35%; p-value: 0.82) MI was comparable between both RA and DM group. However, compared to the control group, non-fatal MI (12.66% vs. 5.58%; p-value: 0.01) was significantly higher in the RA group. Conclusion Our study shows that RA and DM have an equal risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. It is important that RA should be considered as a prominent risk factor for CV events. The management of these patients should be multidisciplinary, including cardiologists.

Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Literature Review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory arthritis disease with a worldwide prevalence of 1-3%. RA patients are at higher risk of atherosclerosis than their matched age-sex controls. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for a 50% risk of increased mortality and morbidity in RA. The pattern of CVD in RA patients differs from that in the general population; RA patients are more likely to have silent ischemic heart disease, sudden death, heart failure, and die early. RA patients tend to have a 5-10 years reduction in their life span than their matched healthy population. Traditional (classical) CV risk factors work separately or synergistically with the underlying inflammation to increase CVD risk in RA. Moreover, inflammation is defined as an independent CVD risk factor. This literature review aims to discuss the traditional CVD risk factors and their association with inflammation in RA.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Acute Coronary Syndromes: From Pathogenesis to the Fine Line Between Bleeding and Ischemic Risk

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a pathological condition that first involves the gastrointestinal wall but can also trigger a systemic inflammatory state and thus extraintestinal manifestations. Systemic inflammation is probably secondary to the passage of bacterial products into the bloodstream because of altered intestinal permeability and the consequent release of proinflammatory mediators. Inflammation, through several diverse pathophysiological pathways, determines both a procoagulative state and systemic endothelial dysfunction, which are both deemed to be responsible for venous and arterial thromboembolic adverse events. The management of systemic thrombotic complications is particularly challenging in this category of patients, who also present a high bleeding risk; what is more, both bleeding and thrombotic risks peak during the active phases of the disease. The literature suggests that treating physicians have been, so far, more heavily influenced by concerns about bleeding than by the thrombotic risk. Despite the absence of data provided by large cohorts or randomized studies, the high risk of arterial and venous atherothrombosis in patients with IBD seems unquestionable. Moreover, several reports suggest that when arterial thromboembolism involves the coronary vessels, causing acute coronary syndromes, ischemic complications from antithrombotic drug undertreatment are frequent and severe. This review aims to shed light on the tricky balance between the ischemic and hemorrhagic risks of patients with IBD and to highlight how difficult it is for clinicians to define a tailored therapy based on a case-by-case, careful, and unprejudiced clinical evaluation.

Cardiac manifestations of rheumatic diseases

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are inflammatory disorders that can involve multiple organs, including the heart. The high risk of cardiovascular pathology in these patients is not only due to traditional cardiovascular risk factors, but also to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. All cardiac structures may be affected during the course of systemic autoimmune diseases (valves, the conduction system, the myocardium, endocardium and pericardium, and coronary arteries), and the cardiac complications have a variety of clinical manifestations. As these are all associated with an unfavourable prognosis, it is essential to detect subclinical cardiac involvement in asymptomatic systemic autoimmune disease patients and begin adequate management and treatment early. In this review, we examine the multiple cardiovascular manifestations in patients with rheumatological disorders and available management strategies.

Younger age and female gender are determinants of underestimated cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a prospective cohort study

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. Here, we aimed to investigate whether gender and age are contributing to the misclassification of CV risk in RA patients.

Methods

Prospectively collected data on cardiovascular risk factors and incident events from the Nijmegen inception cohort were analyzed, with up to 10 years follow-up. Original as well as the EULAR-modified (M)_SCORE algorithms were used to calculate CV risk. Patients were stratified in deciles according to predicted risk; the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to check concordance between observed and predicted risk, in subgroups of gender and age.

Results

There were 863 RA patients included with 128 incident CV events. When using SCORE in the whole group, there was evidence of a discrepancy between the predicted and observed CV risk (H-L test p < 0.003), mainly present in the female subgroup (H-L test p < 0.001). Interestingly, 36% of females who developed an event belonged to the low CV risk group, whereas this was just 10% in RA males. When analyzing the subgroups based on age, a discrepancy was present only in the youngest patients (H-L test p < 0.001 in patients < 55 years) consisting of an underestimation of CV risk (5.3% predicted vs. 8.0% observed). Similar results were obtained when the M_SCORE was applied.

Conclusion

CV risk is especially underestimated in female and younger RA patients. This suggests that modifying the weight for the female gender and/or younger age in currently used CV risk algorithms might improve their predictive value in RA, contributing to better CV risk management.

Cardiovascular Consequences of Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

The increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus has been extensively documented. Sub-clinical atherosclerosis can be assessed using various non-invasive imaging techniques. However, the mechanisms underlying the higher risk of atherosclerotic CVD in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases are not fully known, although they seem to include chronic low-grade systemic inflammation leading to prolonged endothelial activation, accompanied by a pro-thrombotic/pro-coagulant and autoantibody state. Furthermore, sub-clinical atherosclerosis is also influenced by other traditional risk factors for CVD. Including the individual components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS: obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure), the degree of which is higher in these patients than in controls. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the CV manifestations and risk factors involved in the increased risk of CVD among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

The role of aspirin in the primary prevention of accelerated atherosclerosis in systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Aspirin is the most commonly used medication worldwide. Beside its well-known anti-inflammatory effects, a role has emerged in the prevention of cardiovascular events. However, a significant benefit has been demonstrated in secondary cardiovascular prevention only, while there is limited evidence supporting a role in primary prevention. This discrepancy might depend on the that so far, the high-risk populations that will achieve the greatest benefits yet experiencing minimal harmful side effects have not been identified. Patients with autoimmune systemic rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of cardiovascular complications compared with the general population, which makes aspirin of potential value in these subjects. Moving from general aspects of aspirin pharmacology and specific issues in general population, the aim of this study is to review the evidence about the role of low-dose aspirin in primary cardiovascular prevention in autoimmune systemic rheumatic diseases.

The association between the biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and the incidence of diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Whether the use of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) would influence the risk of new-onset diabetes remains uncertain. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between the use of bDMARDs and the incidence of diabetes in patients with systemic inflammatory conditions. Pubmed, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies published from January 2000 to March 2020. Studies conducted in systemic inflammatory conditions with reports of the incidence of diabetes in subjects treated with bDMARDs were included. With 22 randomized controlled trials and 3 cohort studies included, the overall result indicated that compared with non-bDMARD treatment, the use of bDMARDs was significantly associated with decreased incidence of diabetes in patients with systemic inflammatory conditions (RR = 0.56, 95 % CI, 0.43 to 0.74, P < 0.001, I² = 69 %), especially in patients with in rheumatoid arthritis (RR = 0.54, 95 % CI, 0.38 to 0.76, P = 0.0005, I² = 26). Reduced risk of new-onset diabetes was observed in studies with follow-up more than 1 year (RR = 0.73, 95 % CI, 0.54 to 0.99, P = 0.04, I² = 88). New-onset diabetes was less frequent in patients with TNF-α inhibitor treatment (RR = 0.54, 95 % CI, 0.48 to 0.60, P < 0.001, I² = 42 %) and abatacept treatment (RR = 0.44, 95 % CI, 0.34 to 0.58, P < 0.001, I² = 3 %), which might be associated with the inhibition of TNF-α mediated inflammatory responses and dysregulated T cell activation and immune responses respectively. Further investigations are required to validate the glucose metabolism protective effect of bDMARDs and clarify the underlying mechanisms of the crosstalk between bDMARDs and diabetes.

Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: the Role of Hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the data on the role of endothelial dysfunction and the impact of hypertension as a potent mediator of cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

RECENT FINDINGS

RA represents the most common autoimmune rheumatic disorder and is characterized by chronic systemic inflammation predisposing to cardiovascular complications. Cardiovascular mortality is increased among patients with RA and represents the leading cause of death. Although the exact prevalence is debated, hypertension is increased in RA. Hypertension acts synergistically with chronic inflammation and accounts, at least partially, for the increased cardiovascular morbidity in this group of patients. Endothelial dysfunction is considered a primary process in the pathogenesis of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases and contributes significantly to the development and progression of the associated micro- and macrovascular complications. Even though several studies in patients with RA have shown the presence of endothelial dysfunction with traditional methods, novel biochemical and vascular methods for the evaluation of endothelial dysfunction have been scarcely applied. In addition, it remains unclear whether and to which extent endothelial dysfunction in RA is present regardless of concomitant hypertension, even in well-controlled patients. Hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and chronic systemic inflammation appear as a mutually reinforcing triad aggravating cardiovascular risk in patients with RA. Detection of endothelial dysfunction in patients with RA in the early stages further aiming at the development of novel therapeutic targets might contribute to prevention of cardiovascular complications and remains under investigation.

Association of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and antibodies to periodontal bacteria with serum lipoprotein profile in drug naive patients

Objective: We investigated lipid concentrations, particle sizes and antibodies binding to periodontal bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis and to malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) modified low-density lipoprotein in immunoglobulin (Ig) class A, G and M among patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a population-based cohort.Methods: Concentrations and sizes of lipoprotein particles analysed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and antibody levels to MAA modified low-density lipoprotein were studied at baseline and after one-year of follow-up. Serum Ig A and G class antibodies to periodontal bacteria were determined at baseline.Results: Sixty-three patients were divided into tertiles according to disease activity by disease activity score with 28 joint count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (<3.9, 3.9-4.7, >4.7). Small low-density lipoprotein concentration was lowest in the tertile with the highest disease activity. In high-density lipoprotein, the concentrations of total, medium and small particles decreased with disease activity. The particle size in low-density lipoprotein associated with disease activity and the presence of antibodies to P. gingivalis. Ig G and M antibodies to MAA modified low-density lipoprotein correlated with disease activity. Inflammation associated changes faded by one year.Conclusions: Drug naive RA patients had proatherogenic changes in lipid profiles, but they were reversible, when inflammation diminished.Key messagesPatients with drug naive rheumatoid arthritis showed proatherogenic lipid profiles.Reversible changes in lipid profiles can be achieved as response to inflammation suppression.Active therapy aimed at remission is essential in all patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica: a pilot study

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate endothelial function in treatment-naïve polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) patients and its modification during steroid therapy, in relation to changes in clinical and laboratory parameters.Method: This prospective observational study involved patients with a new diagnosis of PMR according to provisional American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2012 criteria, who were naïve to steroid therapy, and control subjects matched for age, gender, and comorbidities. All participants underwent clinical and vascular ultrasound evaluations at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of steroid therapy. For the study of endothelial function, we evaluated the brachial artery reactivity, which has emerged as the most well-established technique used in adults, by assessing flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), which measures the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation.Results: Sixteen newly diagnosed PMR patients were compared with a population of 16 matched controls. FMD values in all subjects showed an inverse correlation with the values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. At baseline, the FMD of PMR patients was significantly lower than controls and remained significantly lower with respect to controls until the sixth month of therapy, despite a clinical improvement already being evident after 1 month of therapy.Conclusions: PMR is characterized by an important chronic subclinical inflammatory component. This pilot study demonstrates that affected patients show endothelial dysfunction that slowly responds to steroid therapy. Further studies are needed to investigate the clinical relevance of these observations and, in particular, to monitor the cardiovascular risk profile of PMR patients.

Comparative effect of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors versus other biological agents on cardiovascular risk-associated biomarkers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background

To comparatively investigate the differential effect of second-line tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) versus other biological agents on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-associated biomarkers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We evaluated the serum levels of lipoprotein-associated apoproteins ApoA1 and ApoB100 and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and the leptin/adiponectin ratio (LAR) as an insulin resistance proxy in patients with RA from the Rotation Or Change (ROC) trial treated with either a second-line TNFi or another biologic (tocilizumab (TCZ), rituximab or abatacept) at baseline and week 24. We compared the changes in biomarker levels in each group and according to the EULAR response.

Results

Of the 300 patients enrolled in the ROC trial, 203 were included in the study, including 96 in the second-line TNFi group and 107 in the other biological group. The measured biomarkers did not deteriorate between baseline and week 24 regardless of the group. A greater improvement in the LAR was noted in the other biological group (median (IQR) -0.12 ng/µg (-0.58 to 0.31) vs 0.04 (-0.19 to 0.43), p=0.033), and a greater improvement in the Lp(a) level was observed following treatment with TCZ than with a TNFi (-0.05 g/L (-0.11 to -0.01) vs -0.01 g/L (-0.02 to 0.01), p<0.001). When considering the patients' responses to treatment, improved biomarkers were mainly observed in the EULAR responders in each treatment group.

Conclusions

TNFis and non-TNFis were neutral on improved CVD risk-associated biomarkers in patients with RA insufficiently controlled by TNFis. TCZ could be associated with a better improvement concerning Lp(a) and LAR than TNFis. This improvement could be related to a good therapeutic response, thereby supporting the need of good control of RA.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01000441, registered on 22 October 2009.

Utility of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness as an Auxiliary Vascular Parameter of Structural Alteration in Ulcerative Colitis

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by chronic relapsing-remitting inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The chronic inflammatory process may predispose to atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and its relation to subclinical atherosclerosis and to follow up cardiovascular complications in patients with UC.

Methods

83 patients with proven UC in remission were enrolled in the study. 42 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were taken. Patients with known risk factors for atherosclerosis were excluded from the study. Baseline blood investigations along with C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and fasting lipid profile were done. CIMT was measured using B-mode Doppler imaging study.

Results

The mean age of the UC patients was 37.06 ± 14.87 years. Left-sided colitis (45.8%) was the commonest type of presentation according to the extent of the disease. Mean CIMT (0.55 ± 0.17) was significantly higher in UC patients when compared to mean CIMT (0.46 ± 0.13) in the control group (p = 0.002). In Pearson correlation analysis, age, ESR, and CRP were positive and significantly correlated with CIMT. Multiple linear regression analysis (R² = 0.18, p = 0.0026) revealed that age and CRP were significant independent predictors of mean CIMT. On following up for 6 months, 4 patients with UC had complications in the form of venous thrombosis.

Conclusion

CIMT is a simple, noninvasive, reliable and objective auxiliary vascular parameter of structural alteration in UC patients.

Low-Dose Aspirin as Primary Prophylaxis for Cardiovascular Events in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Italian Multicentre Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular (CV) events in an Italian multicentre rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inception cohort.

METHODS

The clinical charts of RA patients consecutively admitted to 4 Italian centres for their 1st visit from November 1, 2000, to December 31, 2015, and followed up till December 2016 were retrospectively investigated for the incidence of CV events. Patients were subdivided into two groups, namely, ASA- and non-ASA-treated groups. The Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were used to investigate differences in event-free survival. Cox regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with CV event occurrence.

RESULTS

Seven hundred forty-six consecutive RA patients were enrolled and followed up for a median of 5.6 years (range 2.9-8.9 years). The incidence rate (IR) of CV events was 8/1000 person-years (p-ys) in the overall cohort. The IR of CV events was significantly lower in the ASA-treated group with respect to the non-ASA-treated group (IR 1.7 vs. 11.8/1000 p-ys; p=0.0002). The CV event-free rate was longer in ASA-treated patients than in non-ASA-treated patients (log-rank test 12.8; p=0.0003). At multivariable analysis, arterial hypertension (HR 9.3) and hypercholesterolemia (HR 2.8) resulted to be positive predictors and ASA (HR 0.09) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) (HR 0.22) to be negative predictors.

CONCLUSION

The IR of CV events in our Italian multicentre cohort was lower than that reported in other European and non-European cohorts. Low-dose ASA may have a role in the primary prophylaxis of CV events in RA patients.

Values and Correlations between C-Reactive Protein and Apolipoprotein B after Treatment with Methotrexate at Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

BACKGROUND:

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lipid changes related to inflammation have been described in RA. Methotrexate (MTX) treatment is effective in controlling inflammation and decreasing the CRP (C-reactive protein) values.

AIM:

To examine the disease activity, CRP and Apo B values in the detection of new patients with active and untreated RA, and impact of MTX therapy on their levels after 6 months and one year of treatment, and the correlation between their values in this period.

METHODS:

80 patients with active and newly discovered RA patients who meet the American Rheumatology Association (ARA) 1987 revised criteria were treated with disease-modifying anti-inflammatory drugs (DMARDs) according to the protocol for treatment.

RESULTS:

After a year of therapy RA patients achieved significant decrease in the DAS28 (disease activity score) (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001), and CRP values (p < 0.001). Levels of Apo B values at the 12 months were nonsignificantly higher compared to the results obtained at the beginning of the study (p < 0.001). After 6 and 12 months there was a weak nonsignificant negative correlation about the values of CRP and Apo B at baseline and after 12 months (r = –0.15 and r = -0.12 p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Use of MTX therapy at RA patients had a reduced effect on disease activity and inflammation, but the nonsignificance effect on the values of Apo B lipoproteins.

Hyperhomocysteinemia as a Risk Factor and Potential Nutraceutical Target for Certain Pathologies

Hyperhomocysteinemia is recognized as a risk factor for several diseases, including cardiovascular and neurological conditions. Homocysteine (HCys) is a key metabolite involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of methionine (Met), which plays a pivotal role in the physiological cell's life cycle. The biochemistry of Met is finely regulated by several enzymes that control HCys concentration. Indeed, balanced activity among the enzymes is essential for the cell's well-being, while its malfunction could raise HCys concentration which can lead to the onset of several pathological conditions. The HCys concentration increase seems to be caused mainly by the widely diffused polymorphisms of several enzymes. Nowadays, a blood test can easily detect elevated concentrations of HCys, referred to as Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCys). Prolonged exposure to this condition can lead to the onset of cardiovascular disease and can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, stroke, inflammatory syndromes like osteoporosis and rheumatism, as well as neuronal pathologies including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In this review, we analyzed the literature of several pathological conditions in which the molecular pathways of HHCys are involved. Interestingly, several observations indicate that the calibrated assumption of correct doses of vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and betaine may control HHCys-related conditions.

Celecoxib aggravates atherogenesis and upregulates leukotrienes in ApoE-/- mice and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

COX-2-selective inhibitors have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, and their impact on atherosclerosis (AS) remains controversial. The proinflammatory COX-2 and 5-LO pathways both play essential roles in AS and related cardiovascular diseases. Previous clinical studies have provided evidence of the ability of COX-2-selective inhibitors to shunt AA metabolism from the COX-2 pathway to the 5-LO pathway. In this study, the effects of celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, on AS and the COX-2 and 5-LO pathways were investigated in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

Male ApoE^-/- mice fed a western-type diet for 18 weeks and cultured mouse RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated with 1 μg/mL LPS for 24 h were used in this study.

RESULTS

In ApoE^-/- mice, intragastric administration of celecoxib (80 mg/kg/d) for 18 weeks significantly increased aortic atherosclerotic lesion area but had no effect on hyperlipidemia. In addition, celecoxib significantly lowered TNF-α and PGE₂ levels but increased both LTB₄ and CysLTs levels in aortic tissues. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, pretreatment with 8 μmol/L celecoxib for 1 h significantly lowered the TNF-α, NO, and PGE₂ levels but increased the LTB₄ and CysLTs levels. Celecoxib also decreased the protein and mRNA expression of COX-2 but increased the expression of 5-LO and LTC₄S in both ApoE^-/- mouse aortic tissues and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.

CONCLUSION

The COX-2-selective inhibitor celecoxib can aggravate atherogenesis, an effect that may be related to upregulation of LTs via a 5-LO pathway shunt.

Methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease associated with joint damage, impaired function, pain, and reduced quality of life. Methotrexate is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) commonly prescribed to alleviate symptoms, attenuate disease activity, and prevent progression of disease.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and www.clinicaltrials.gov for relevant records. We searched all databases from inception to 29 January 2018. We handsearched included articles for additional records and contacted study authors for additional unpublished data. We applied no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compared methotrexate versus placebo, or versus another DMARD, for adults with psoriatic arthritis. We reported on the following major outcomes: disease response (measured by psoriatic arthritis response criteria (PsARC)), function (measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire for Rheumatoid Arthritis (HAQ)), health-related quality of life, disease activity (measured by disease activity score (28 joints) with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR)), radiographic progression, serious adverse events, and withdrawals due to adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently reviewed search results, assessed risk of bias, extracted trial data, and assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE approach. We undertook meta-analysis only when this was meaningful.

MAIN RESULTS

We included in this review eight RCTs conducted in an outpatient setting, in Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, China, Russia, and Bangladesh. Five studies compared methotrexate versus placebo, and four studies compared methotrexate versus other DMARDs. The average age of participants varied across studies (26 to 52 years), as did the average duration of psoriatic arthritis (one to nine years). Doses of methotrexate varied from 7.5 mg to 25 mg orally per week, but most studies administered approximately 15 mg or less orally per week. Risk of bias was generally unclear or high across most domains for all studies. We considered only one study to have low risk of selection and detection bias. The main study informing results of the primary comparison (methotrexate vs placebo up to six months) was at low risk of bias for all domains except attrition bias and reporting bias.We restricted reporting of results to the comparison of methotrexate versus placebo for up to six months. Low-quality evidence (downgraded due to bias and imprecision) from a single study (221 participants; methotrexate dose 15 mg orally or less per week) informed results for disease response, function, and disease activity. Disease response, measured by the proportion who responded to treatment according to PsARC (response indicates improvement), was 41/109 in the methotrexate group and 24/112 in the placebo group (risk ratio (RR) 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14 to 2.70). This equates to an absolute difference of 16% more responders with methotrexate (4% more to 28% more), and a number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) of 6 (95% CI 5 to 25). Mean function, measured by the HAQ (scale 0 to 3; 0 meaning no functional impairment; minimum clinically important difference 0.22), was 1.0 points with placebo and 0.3 points better (95% 0.51 better to 0.09 better) with methotrexate; absolute improvement was 10% (3% better to 17% better), and relative improvement 30% (9% better to 51% better). Mean disease activity as measured by the DAS28-ESR (scale of 0 to 10; lower score means lower disease activity; minimum clinically important difference unknown) was 3.8 points in the methotrexate group and 4.06 points in the placebo group; mean difference was -0.26 points (95% CI -0.65 to 0.13); absolute improvement was 3% (7% better to 1% worse), and relative improvement 6% (16% better to 3% worse).Low-quality evidence (downgraded due to risk of bias and imprecision) from three studies (n = 293) informed our results for serious adverse events and withdrawals due to adverse events. Due to low event rates, we are uncertain if methotrexate results show increased risk of serious adverse events or withdrawals due to adverse events compared to placebo. Results show 1/141 serious adverse events in the methotrexate group and 4/152 in the placebo group: RR 0.26 (95% CI 0.03 to 2.26); absolute difference was 2% fewer events with methotrexate (5% fewer to 1% more). In all, 9/141 withdrawals in the methotrexate group were due to adverse events and 7/152 in the placebo group: RR 1.32 (95% CI 0.51 to 3.42); absolute difference was 1% more withdrawals (4% fewer to 6% more).One study measured health-related quality of life but did not report these results. No study measured radiographic progression.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Low-quality evidence suggests that low-dose (15 mg or less) oral methotrexate might be slightly more effective than placebo when taken for six months; however we are uncertain if it is more harmful. Effects of methotrexate on health-related quality of life, radiographic progression, enthesitis, dactylitis, and fatigue; its benefits beyond six months; and effects of higher-dose methotrexate have not been measured or reported in a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Urinary albumin excretion in rheumatoid arthritis is not associated with markers of vasculopathy in distal microvascular beds

OBJECTIVE

Increased UAE is a marker of generalized vascular damage in high-cardiovascular risk patients. However, it remains unknown whether it corresponds to a state of diffuse vasculopathy in high-risk patients with RA.

METHODS

UAE was estimated in 24-hour urine samples in RA and non-RA individuals. Retinal arteriolar and venular diameters were calculated from retinal images with computerized software. SEVR was estimated as an index of microvascular coronary perfusion with applanation tonometry. Dermal capillary density was measured from images obtained with nailfold capillaroscopy, using specifically designed software.

RESULTS

In a total of 111 individuals, neither UAE (5.1 [2.8-10.8] vs 6.5 [3.0-11.7] mg/24 h) nor prevalence of microalbuminuria (11.0% vs 8.1%) significantly differed between patients (n = 74) and controls (n = 37). In the RA group, UAE was not significantly associated with inflammation, nor with any of the studied microvascular indices of the retinal microvasculature, the coronary microcirculation, and the dermal capillary network.

CONCLUSION

Among RA patients, UAE was not associated with markers of vasculopathy in distal microvascular beds. Increased UAE in RA might be primarily considered as a manifestation of localized, compromised function of the renal microvasculature, rather than a marker of generalized microvascular impairment.

What role does rheumatoid arthritis disease activity have in cardiovascular risk?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a 1.3 to 3-fold increase in mortality, being the major cause of death from cardiovascular complications (40%-50%). Therefore, the initial approach should include cardiovascular risk (CVR) assessment using algorithms adapted for this population. Although, SCOREM is an important advance, there are data indicating that subclinical atherosclerosis may be underdiagnosed.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the strength of association between carotid ultrasound and SCOREM in this population, as well as the implication of disease activity.

METHODOLOGY

Cross-sectional, observational, analytical study performed at the General Hospital of Ciudad Real, Spain, between June 2013 and May 2014. The evaluation of CVR was performed and, according to SCOREM, the population was divided into low and high (medium, high and very high) risk. We studied the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in low-risk patients.

RESULTS

Of the total of 119 RA patients, 73.1% had traditional risk factors. Thirty-eight patients were excluded because of a previous cardiovascular event, diabetes mellitus and/or nephropathy. Atheromatous plaque was observed in 14.63% of the low-risk population. The factor with the strongest association to the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis was a moderate or high activity of RA measured by the simplified disease activity index with an odds ratio of 4.95 (95% CI: 1.53-16.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Although there was an acceptable correlation between the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis and SCOREM, there was a considerable proportion of atheromatous plaques in low-risk patients. Disease activity was the risk factor most closely associated with increased CVR.

Retinal vessel morphology in rheumatoid arthritis: Association with systemic inflammation, subclinical atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular risk

OBJECTIVE

Quantification of retinal vessel morphology has emerged as a marker of cardiovascular health. We examined retinal microvascular diameters in RA, particularly in regard to systemic inflammation, subclinical atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

Retinal images from RA patients and controls were processed using computerized software, to obtain CRAE and CRVE and AVR. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed with cIMT, and 10-year risk of general cardiovascular disease was calculated.

RESULTS

Both CRAE (78.8 ± 8.9 vs 90.2 ± 9.9 μm, P < .001) and AVR (0.69 ± 0.09 vs 0.81 ± 0.09, P < .001) were decreased in RA patients (n = 87) compared to controls (n = 46), whereas CRVE did not differ. Among RA patients, CRAE and AVR were inversely associated with both cIMT and CRP, whereas CRVE positively correlated with CRP (P < .05 for all). CRAE additionally correlated with cardiovascular risk score (r = -.396, P = .001). In the multivariate analysis, cardiovascular risk was associated with CRAE; age with CRVE, while CRP independently predicted AVR.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows altered retinal microvascular morphology in RA patients. Inflammation appears as the biological link for the observed association between retinal microvascular abnormalities and subclinical atherosclerosis. Retinal arteriolar narrowing might play its own role in cardiovascular risk prediction in RA.

Defective cholesterol metabolism in haematopoietic stem cells promotes monocyte-driven atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis

Aim

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an approximately two-fold elevated risk of cardiovascular (CV)-related mortality. Patients with RA present with systemic inflammation including raised circulating myeloid cells, but fail to display traditional CV risk-factors, particularly dyslipidaemia. We aimed to explore if increased circulating myeloid cells is associated with impaired atherosclerotic lesion regression or altered progression in RA.

Methods and results

Using flow cytometry, we noted prominent monocytosis, neutrophilia, and thrombocytosis in two mouse models of RA. This was due to enhanced proliferation of the haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the bone marrow and the spleen. HSPCs expansion was associated with an increase in the cholesterol content, due to a down-regulation of cholesterol efflux genes, Apoe, Abca1, and Abcg1. The HSPCs also had enhanced expression of key myeloid promoting growth factor receptors. Systemic inflammation was found to cause defective cellular cholesterol metabolism. Increased myeloid cells in mice with RA were associated with a significant impairment in lesion regression, even though cholesterol levels were equivalent to non-arthritic mice. Lesions from arthritic mice exhibited a less stable phenotype as demonstrated by increased immune cell infiltration, lipid accumulation, and decreased collagen formation. In a progression model, we noted monocytosis, enhanced monocytes recruitment to lesions, and increased plaque macrophages. This was reversed with administration of reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL). Furthermore, RA patients have expanded CD16+ monocyte subsets and a down-regulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis impairs atherosclerotic regression and alters progression, which is associated with an expansion of myeloid cells and disturbed cellular cholesterol handling, independent of plasma cholesterol levels. Infusion of rHDL prevented enhanced myelopoiesis and monocyte entry into lesions. Targeting cellular cholesterol defects in people with RA, even if plasma cholesterol is within the normal range, may limit vascular disease.

Factors correlated with the improvement of endothelial dysfunction during Abatacept therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis patients are exposed to a high risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality even in the early phases of the disease.

Methods

We evaluated carotid common carotid intimal media thickness (ccIMT) intimal thickness and brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of 45 rheumatoid arthritis patients without known cardiovascular risk factors or heart disease on a stable dose of prednisone 5.2±1.2 mg/day and Methotrexate 11.5±2.1 mg at baseline (T0) and after 12 months (T1) of treatment with Abatacept 125 mg/week. The comparison between T0 and T1 (t- and Mann-Whitney test), correlation (Spearman r), and predictivity (linear regression) of FMD, ccIMT vs clinical and laboratory parameters (disease activity 28 score, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFα], interleukin-6, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP), CD3+, CD3+/CD4+, CD3+/CD8+, CD19+(B), CD20+(B), NK CD3-CD56+CD16+, CD14+ HLA DR+, CD4+CD28+, CD4+CD28, rheumatoid factor IgM, IgA, RF IgG, anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies) were also evaluated.

Results

During Abatacept treatment, ccIMT and FMD remained stable and disease activity 28 score, CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and interleukin-6 decreased significantly (p=0.0001, 0.002, 0.0002, 0.0001 respectively). At T0, only ccIMT resulted as correlated with baseline TNFα values (p=0.0245) in an inverse proportion. At T1, ccIMT correlated with CD3/CD8+ lymphocytes number (p=0.0351) and FMD with CRP (p=0.0075). In regression analysis, baseline ccIMT and FMD had a low predictivity for TNFα (p=0.011) and CRP (p=0.049) at T1, respectively.

Conclusion

This study shows that the endothelial function remained stable during Abatacept treatment.

Atherosclerosis and autoimmunity: a growing relationship

Atherosclerosis is regarded as one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the world. Nowadays, it seems that atherosclerosis cannot be defined merely through the Framingham traditional risk factors and that autoimmunity settings exert a remarkable role in its mechanobiology. Individuals with autoimmune disorders show enhanced occurrence of cardiovascular complications and subclinical atherosclerosis. The mechanisms underlying the atherosclerosis in disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic sclerosis and Sjögren's syndrome, seem to be the classical risk factors. However, chronic inflammatory processes and abnormal immune function may also be involved in atherosclerosis development. Autoantigens, autoantibodies, infectious agents and pro-inflammatory mediators exert a role in that process. Being armed with the mechanisms underlying autoimmunity in the etiopathogenesis of atherosclerosis in rheumatic autoimmune disorders and the shared etiologic pathway may result in substantial developing therapeutics for these patients.

High levels of oxidized fatty acids in HDL are associated with impaired HDL function in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis

The objective of this study was to evaluate oxidation products of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid in lipoproteins and synovial fluid (SF) from patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to non-RA controls. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) were isolated from plasma using fast protein liquid chromatography and HDL was isolated from SF using dextran sulfate precipitation. 5-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 12-HETE, 15-HETE, 9 hydroxyoctadecadienoic (HODE), and 13-HODE levels were measured in HDL, LDL, and SF by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. HDL's anti-inflammatory function, cholesterol levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activities were determined as previously. 5-HETE, 15-HETE, 9-HODE, and 13-HODE levels were significantly increased in HDL and LDL from patients with active RA (n = 10) compared to healthy controls (n = 8) and correlated significantly with measures of systemic inflammation, particularly in HDL (r = 0.65-0.80, p values < 0.004). Higher HETES and HODES in HDL were also significantly correlated with impaired HDL function as measured by the HDL inflammatory index (HII) (r = 0.54-0.58; p values < 0.03). 15-HETE levels and MPO activity were higher in RA SF (n = 10) compared to osteoarthritis (OA) SF(n = 11), and HDL from RA SF had worse function compared to OA SF HDL (HII = 2.1 ± 1.9 and 0.5 ± 0.1), respectively (p < 0.05). Oxidation products of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid are increased in HDL and LDL from patients with active RA compared to healthy controls, and are associated with worse anti-oxidant function of HDL. These results suggest a potential mechanism by which oxidative stress from active RA increases oxidized fatty acids in HDL, promoting HDL dysfunction, and thereby increasing atherosclerotic risk.

Males With Rheumatoid Arthritis Often Evidence Carotid Atheromas on Panoramic Imaging: A Risk Indicator of Future Cardiovascular Events

PURPOSE

Males with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an exceedingly high risk of adverse intraoperative ischemic events, given the role of systemic inflammation in the atherogenic process. We hypothesized that their panoramic images would demonstrate calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAPs) significantly more often than those from a general population of similarly aged men.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We implemented a retrospective observational study. The sample was composed of male patients older than 55 years of age who had undergone panoramic imaging studies. The predictor variable was the diagnosis of RA confirmed by a positive rheumatoid factor (RF) titer, and the outcome variable was the prevalence rate of CCAPs. The other major study variable was the level of RF among the patients evidencing CCAPs. The prevalence of CCAPs among the patients with RA was then compared with that of a historical general population of similarly aged men. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed, and the P value was set at .05.

RESULTS

Of the 100 men (mean age 69.89 ± 8.927 years) with RA, 29 (29%; mean age 72.10 ± 7.68 years) had atheromas (CCAP+). Of these 29 men, 25 (86%; mean age 71.88 ± 7.43 years) had a RF titer of ≥41 IU/mL, twice that of normal. A statistically significant (P < .05) association was found between a diagnosis of RA and the presence of an atheroma on the panoramic image compared with the 3% rate found in the historical cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that CCAP, a risk indicator of future adverse cardiovascular events, is frequently seen on panoramic images of male patients with RA and that these individuals routinely manifest high titer levels of RF, a biologic marker of inflammation. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons planning surgery for male patients with RA must be uniquely vigilant for the presence of these lesions.

The association between hydroxychloroquine treatment and cardiovascular morbidity among rheumatoid arthritis patients

Objectives

To examine the independent effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment on cardiovascular morbidity among RA patients.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study of RA patients treated at Meir medical center between 2003-2013 was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups, those who had been treated with HCQ during the course of their disease and those who had never received it. The two groups were compared for possible confounding factors. Study endpoints included arterial and venous thrombotic events.

Results

A total of 514 suitable RA patients were identified, 241 HCQ-treated and 273 non-treated patients. Of the HCQ-treated patients, 32 (13.3%) suffered from cardiovascular events compared to 104 (38.1%) of the non-treated group. HCQ treatment had a significant protective effect for all cardiovascular events examined (HR = 0.456 CI 0.287 to 0.726) as well as arterial events alone (HR = 0.461 CI 0.274 to 0.778). A dose of 400 mg HCQ per day demonstrated a protective effect for any cardiovascular event (HR = 0.432 CI 0.243 to 0.768), while the lower dose of 200 mg per day showed no significant protective effect.

Conclusions

The use of HCQ is independently associated with decreased risk for cardiovascular morbidity among RA patients, particularly with a higher dose of 400 mg per day. This newly demonstrated effect of HCQ should be considered in the overall management of RA.

Aortic, carotid intima-media thickness and flow- mediated dilation as markers of early atherosclerosis in a cohort of pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases

The aims of this study were to identify the presence of endothelial dysfunction as a marker of early atherosclerosis by measuring aortic and carotid intimal-medial thickness (aIMT and cIMT) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and their correlation with traditional and no traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis in children with rheumatic diseases. Thirty-nine patients (mean age 15.3 ± 5.7 years), 23 juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 9 juvenile spondyloarthropathies, 7 connective tissue diseases (mean disease duration and onset respectively 5 ± 3.6 and 10 ± 5 years), and 52 healthy children matched for sex and age were enrolled. Demographic data (age, sex, familiarity for cardiovascular disease), traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis (BMI, active and passive smoking, dyslipidemia), activity disease indexes (reactive count protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) autoantibodies, and complement tests were collected. aIMT, cIMT, and FMD were assessed following a standardized protocol by high-resolution ultrasonography. Patients resulted significantly more exposed to passive smoking and had a lower BMI and higher homocysteine level than controls. cIMT and aIMT were significantly higher in patients than controls (p < 0.001) and correlated with age at diagnosis (p < 0.001 r 0.516 and 0.706, respectively) but not with mean disease duration. FMD % was significantly reduced in patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). Subclinical atherosclerosis occurs in pediatric rheumatic diseases, mainly in early onset forms, and aIMT is an earlier marker of preclinical atherosclerosis. Premature endothelial dysfunction could be included in the follow-up of children with rheumatic disorders to plan prevention strategies of cardiovascular disease already in pediatrics.