Progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis: comparison with participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Use of coronarycomputed tomography for cardiovascular risk assessment in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are recognised risk factors for accelerated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly in younger individuals and women who lack traditional CVD risk factors. Reflective of the critical role that inflammation plays in the formation, progression and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques, research into immune mechanisms of CVD has led to the identification of a range of therapeutic targets that are the subject of ongoing clinical trials. Several key inflammatory pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis are targeted in people with IMIDs. However, cardiovascular risk continues to be systematically underestimated by conventional risk assessment tools in the IMID population, resulting in considerable excess CVD burden and mortality. Hence, there is a pressing need to improve methods for CVD risk-stratification among patients with IMIDs, to better guide the use of statins and other prognostic interventions. CT coronary angiography (CTCA) is the current first-line investigation for diagnosing and assessing the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in many individuals with suspected angina. Whether CTCA is also useful in the general population for reclassifying asymptomatic individuals and improving long-term prognosis remains unknown. However, in the context of IMIDs, it is conceivable that the information provided by CTCA, including state-of-the-art assessments of coronary plaque, could be an important clinical adjunct in this high-risk patient population. This narrative review discusses the current literature about the use of coronary CT for CVD risk-stratification in three of the most common IMIDs including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Analysis of Potential Vitamin D Molecule Biomarkers: Association of Calcitriol and Its Hydroxylation Efficiency Ratio with Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease in which hypovitaminosis D by calcidiol quantification has been associated with disease severity. However, other vitamin D molecules could be implicated in RA pathophysiology and its comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), which impacts the severity and mortality of RA patients. This study aimed to assess the relationship between calcidiol, calcitriol, its hydroxylation efficiency ratio, and the soluble vitamin D receptor (sVDR) and clinical and CVD risk variables to propose potential vitamin D molecule biomarkers for RA. A cross-sectional study of females was conducted on 154 RA patients and 201 healthy subjects (HS). Calcidiol, calcitriol, and the sVDR were measured in blood serum, and vitamin D hydroxylation efficiency was estimated using the calcitriol/calcidiol ratio score. CVD risk was calculated by the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) cutoff values. Disease activity was evaluated with the Disease Activity Score for 28 standard joints (DAS28-CRP). Results: The hydroxylation efficiency ratio and calcitriol serum levels were higher in RA patients with hypovitaminosis D (p < 0.001). Moreover, RA patients had a higher probability of a high hydroxylation efficiency ratio (OR = 2.02; p = 0.02), calcitriol serum levels (OR = 2.95; p < 0.001), and sVDR serum levels (OR = 5.57; p < 0.001) than HS. This same pattern was also observed in RA patients with high CVD risk using CRP serum levels; they showed a higher hydroxylation efficiency ratio (OR = 4.51; p = 0.04) and higher calcitriol levels (OR = 5.6; p < 0.01). Calcitriol correlates positively with the sVDR (r = 0.21, p = 0.03), CRP (r = 0.28, p < 0.001), and cardiometabolic indexes (p < 0.001) also showed discrimination capacity for CVD risk in RA patients with CRP ≥ 3 mg/L (AUC = 0.72, p < 0.01). In conclusion, hypovitaminosis D in RA patients was characterized by a pattern of a higher hydroxylation efficiency ratio and higher calcitriol and sVDR serum levels. Notably, higher calcitriol serum levels and a higher vitamin D hydroxylation efficiency ratio were associated with higher CVD risk in RA patients.

Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events in statin-naïve rheumatoid arthritis patients: A nationwide cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between the four components of the lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)) at baseline and composite major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in statin-naïve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with no previous history of cardiovascular events.

METHODS

This nationwide population-based cohort study was performed on a total of 15,216 statin-naïve RA patients. The end point was a composite of clinical events, including myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular death. We compared the incidence of and risk for clinical events according to each lipid variable.

RESULTS

During follow-up (median 4.70 years), the incidence of MACE per 1000 person-years was 7.27. Among the four lipid components, only higher baseline TG levels were significantly associated with increased risk for composite MACE in RA subjects. The risk for composite MACE was significantly higher in the third (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 1.35 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-1.78]) and highest quartiles (adjusted HR, 1.74 [95%CI, 1.33-2.28]) of baseline TG level versus the lowest quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

In statin-naïve RA patients, increased TG level is associated with increased risk for MACE. Therefore, screening and intervention for increased TG level may be clinically beneficial in this population.

Accelerated atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly prevalent, chronic inflammatory condition of the synovial joints that affects approximately 1% of the global population. The pathogenesis of RA is predominantly inflammatory in nature, thereby accelerating the co-occurrence of other immunoinflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis. Apart from traditional cardiovascular risk factors, RA patients possess a multitude of other factors that predispose them to early atherosclerotic disease. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the prevalence of premature atherosclerosis in RA patients and elucidate the role that proinflammatory cytokines, RA-related autoantibodies, and endothelial dysfunction play in the pathophysiology of RA-mediated atherosclerosis. We also discussed novel biomarkers that can be used to predict early atherosclerosis in RA and current guidelines used to treat RA. Methods: This review followed the PRISMA guidelines to select and analyze relevant articles. A literature search for articles was performed on February 25, 2022, through three research databases including PubMed, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect. The query used to identify relevant publications was "Rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis" and the search duration was set from 2012-2022. Relevant articles were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Our initial search generated 21,235 articles. We narrowed our search according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After assessing eligibility based on the full content of the articles, 73 articles were ultimately chosen for this review. Conclusion: There is an increased prevalence of accelerated atherosclerosis among RA patients. We found evidence to explain the role of proinflammatory cytokines, RA-related autoantibodies, and endothelial dysfunction in the pathophysiology RA-mediated atherosclerosis. Therapies targeting either the inflammatory load or traditional CV risk-factors seem to improve vascular outcomes in RA patients. Novel markers of atherosclerosis in RA may be useful in predicting premature atherosclerosis and serve as new targets for therapeutic intervention.

Cardiovascular disease risk evaluation impact in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Although rheumatoid arthritis (RA) results in a 50% increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality, comparable to the risk associated with diabetes mellitus, a significant care gap remains in cardiovascular risk management for this high-risk population. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a minority-serving institution to assess demographic, clinical, and laboratory data associated with referral to cardiology by rheumatology. The results showed that a minority (5%) of patients were referred to cardiology during an outpatient rheumatology encounter. Patients referred were more likely to be on antihypertensive medication and aspirin. Differences in traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as systolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, smoking history, and diabetes mellitus were not significantly associated with being referred. Patients with RA who were evaluated by cardiology were more likely to be started on cardiovascular risk-reducing medications such as antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and aspirin therapy. This study highlights a care gap in the evaluation and referral of patients with RA and recognizes the improved preventive cardiovascular care received by patients evaluated by a cardiologist.

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs improve the cardiovascular profile in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting about 0. 5–1% of the adult population and manifesting as persistent synovitis, systemic inflammation and production of autoantibodies. Patients affected by RA not only experience chronic disease progression, but are also burdened by a 1.5-fold increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, which is comparable to the risk experienced by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. RA patients also have a higher incidence and prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Although RA patients frequently present traditional CV risk factors such as insulin resistance and active smoking, previous studies have clarified the pivotal role of chronic inflammation–driven by proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)–in accelerating the process of atherosclerosis and impairing the coagulation system. Over the last years, a number of studies have shown that disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) reducing the inflammatory state in general improve the CV risk, however some drugs may carry some apparent negative effects. Thus, RA is a model of disease in which targeting inflammation may counteract the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce CV risk. Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that the management of RA patients should be tailored based on the positive and negative effects of DMARDs on CV risk together with the individual traditional CV risk profile. The identification of genetic, biochemical and clinical biomarkers, predictive of evolution and response to treatment, will be the next challenge for a precision approach to reduce the burden of the disease.

Traditional and Emerging Sex-Specific Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major health threat in women. While traditional CVD risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and smoking have been recognized for over 50 years, optimal control of these risk factors remains a major challenge. Unique sex-specific risk factors such as adverse pregnancy outcomes, premature menopause and low estrogen states, and chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorders also contribute to increased CVD risk in women. In addition, psychological risk factors such as stress, depression, and social determinants of health may have a disproportionately adverse impact in women. An improved understanding of traditional and emerging sex-specific CVD risk factors and management of modifiable factors is critical for clinicians who provide care for women. Early recognition and treatment of risk factors may alter the trajectory of adverse CVD events. A multi-disciplinary approach with team-based care involving multiple specialists and improved, targeted educational efforts are needed to reduce CVD risk factors and its adverse consequences in women.

Accelerated atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly prevalent, chronic inflammatory condition of the synovial joints that affects approximately 1% of the global population. The pathogenesis of RA is predominantly inflammatory in nature, thereby accelerating the co-occurrence of other immunoinflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis. Apart from traditional cardiovascular risk factors, RA patients possess a multitude of other factors that predispose them to early atherosclerotic disease. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the prevalence of premature atherosclerosis in RA patients and elucidate the role that proinflammatory cytokines, RA-related autoantibodies, and endothelial dysfunction play in the pathophysiology of RA-mediated atherosclerosis. We also discussed novel biomarkers that can be used to predict early atherosclerosis in RA and current guidelines used to treat RA. Methods: This review followed the PRISMA guidelines to select and analyze relevant articles. A literature search for articles was performed on February 25, 2022, through three research databases including PubMed, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect. The query used to identify relevant publications was "Rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis" and the search duration was set from 2012-2022. Relevant articles were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Our initial search generated 21,235 articles. We narrowed our search according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After assessing eligibility based on the full content of the articles, 73 articles were ultimately chosen for this review. Conclusion: There is an increased prevalence of accelerated atherosclerosis among RA patients. We found evidence to explain the role of proinflammatory cytokines, RA-related autoantibodies, and endothelial dysfunction in the pathophysiology RA-mediated atherosclerosis. Therapies targeting either the inflammatory load or traditional CV risk-factors seem to improve vascular outcomes in RA patients. Novel markers of atherosclerosis in RA may be useful in predicting premature atherosclerosis and serve as new targets for therapeutic intervention.

Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Complex Challenge with Increased Atherosclerotic Risk

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) carries significant risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Traditional ASCVD risk factors fail to account for this accelerated atherosclerosis. Shared inflammatory pathways are fundamental in the pathogenesis of both diseases. Considering the impact of RA in increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the characterization of therapies encompassing both RA and ASCVD management merit high priority. Despite little progress, several drugs discussed here promote remission and or lower rheumatoid disease activity while simultaneously conferring some level of atheroprotection. Methotrexate, a widely used disease-modifying drug used in RA, is associated with significant reduction in cardiovascular adverse events. MTX promotes cholesterol efflux from macrophages, upregulates free radical scavenging and improves endothelial function. Likewise, the sulfonamide drug sulfasalazine positively impacts the lipid profile by increasing HDL-C, and its use in RA has been correlated with reduced risk of myocardial infraction. In the biologic class, inhibitors of TNF-α and IL-6 contribute to improvements in endothelial function and promote anti-atherogenic properties of HDL-C, respectively. The immunosuppressant hydroxychloroquine positively affects insulin sensitization and the lipid profile. While no individual therapy has elicited optimal atheroprotection, further investigation of combination therapies are ongoing.

Coronary calcium in autoimmune diseases: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Autoimmune diseases (AID) share various clinical signs and symptoms and pathophysiological mechanisms including the increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is potentially useful in improving the cardiovascular risk assessment. The aim of this study was to evaluate CACS in six AIDs analyzed as a group compared with controls through a systematic literature review (SLR) and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A literature search (Medline/OVID, Lilacs, Embase, and Cochrane/OVID) up to January 6, 2021 was made (PROSPERO CRD42020197182). Observational studies (patients with six AIDs: rheumatoid arthritis [RA], systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE], Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, dermatopolymyositis, and antiphospholipid syndrome) compared with controls were included. CACS, reported in Agatston units, was the primary outcome in both groups. Mean differences and a random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird) were calculated.

RESULTS

Nineteen articles were meta-analyzed (4568 subjects: 2142 AID and 2426 controls). Mean age was 48.1 and 44.2 years, respectively and 75.6% and 84.9% were women, respectively. Of cases, 52.9% had RA, 44.4% SLE and 2.7% had systemic sclerosis. The pooled analysis showed a higher CACS in patients with AIDs (7.42; 95% CI 1.79 to 13.05; chi²-p = 0.01) compared with controls. Meta-regression models showed that age in cases and controls reduced the difference in CACS between groups (p < 0.05), HDL had an inverse relationship (p = 0.04), and CRP levels had a directly proportional relationship with CACS in cases (p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

The quantitative results of this meta-analysis suggest that CACS is higher in patients with AID, possibly due to chronic exposure to pro-inflammatory molecules. These results have clinical implications since the finding of highly elevated CACS in patients with AID will enable physicians and researchers to develop a risk stratification model that includes CACS as one of the screening tools for detecting coronary atherosclerosis in these patients.

Biologics and atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: a review of evidence and mechanistic insights

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is a leading comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis. Timely introduction of biologic therapies in a treat-to-target approach has optimized disease-related outcomes and attenuated accrual of comorbidities, including cardiovascular risk.Areas covered: A literature search in MEDLINE (via PubMed) was performed between January 2009 and November 2020. This manuscript explores recent developments in atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk in RA compared with non-RA individuals; it synopsizes differences in vascular function and inflammation, prevalence, burden, vulnerability, and progression of atherosclerotic plaque and their underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. Finally, it reviews the recent literature on cardioprotective benefits of biologics and draws mechanistic links with inhibition of new plaque formation, stabilization of high-risk lesions and improvement in endothelial function, arterial stiffness, lipid metabolism, and traditional cardiac risk factors.Expert opinion: Increasing evidence points to a solid cardioprotective influence of earlier, longer, and ongoing use of biologic treatments in RA. Nevertheless, the precise mechanistic effects of plaque progression and remodeling, vascular stiffness, endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism, and traditional cardiac risk factors are less rigorously characterized.

Impact of Cumulative Inflammation, Cardiac Risk Factors, and Medication Exposure on Coronary Atherosclerosis Progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To explore incidence and progression of coronary atherosclerosis and identify determinants in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We specifically evaluated the impact of inflammation, cardiac risk factors, duration of medication exposure, and their interactions on coronary plaque progression.

METHODS

One hundred one participants with baseline coronary computed tomography angiography findings underwent follow-up assessment a mean ± SD of 83 ± 3.6 months after baseline. Plaque burden was reported as the segment involvement score (describing the number of coronary segments with plaque) and the segment stenosis score (characterizing the cumulative plaque stenosis over all evaluable segments). Plaque composition was classified as noncalcified, mixed, or calcified. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) was quantified using the Agatston method.

RESULTS

Total plaque increased in 48% of patients, and progression was predicted by older age, higher cumulative inflammation, and total prednisone dose (P < 0.05). CAC progressors were older, more obese, hypertensive, and had higher cumulative inflammation compared to nonprogressors (P < 0.05). Longer exposure to biologics was associated with lower likelihood of noncalcified plaque progression, lesion remodeling, and constrained CAC change in patients without baseline calcification, independent of inflammation, prednisone dose, or statin exposure (all P < 0.05). Longer statin treatment further restricted noncalcified plaque progression and attenuated the effect of inflammation on increased plaque and CAC (P < 0.05). Stringent systolic blood pressure (BP) control further weakened the effect of inflammation on total plaque progression.

CONCLUSION

Inflammation was a consistent and independent predictor of coronary atherosclerosis progression in RA. It should therefore be specifically targeted toward mitigating cardiovascular risk. Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, statins, and BP control may further constrain plaque progression directly or indirectly.

Utility of Coronary Calcium Scoring (CCS) in Connective Tissue Disorders (CTDs) for the Evaluation of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis - A Systematic Review

Objective

To assess the current state of knowledge for the utility of coronary calcium scoring (CCS) in connective tissue disorders (CTDs) as it relates to the presence and quantification of coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search via PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Review retrieved 1019 studies (since database inception on May 7, 2018) from which 121 manuscripts were eligible for review. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies that investigated CCS in adults with respective CTDs. Studies were excluded if a complete manuscript was not written in English or was a case report.

Results

Thirty‐one studies were included (27 with healthy age‐/gender‐matched control group for comparison and 4 without). CTDs analyzed in articles with control group: 11 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 14 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 4 systemic sclerosis (SSc), 1 idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), 1 Takayasu arteritis, and 1 psoriasis. Nine out of 11 RA studies, 12 out of 14 SLE studies, and 2 out of 4 SSc studies showed statistically significant increased CCS when compared with the control group. CTDs analyzed in studies without control group: two Kawasaki disease, one juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and one antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) article, which demonstrated increased coronary arterial calcium burden, however, without statistically significant data.

Conclusion

CTDs, especially SLE and RA, are associated with higher CCS compared with the control group, indicating increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis. Our search did not elicit sufficient publications or statistically significant results in many other CTDs.

Misunderstandings Between Platelets and Neutrophils Build in Chronic Inflammation

Regulated hemostasis, inflammation and innate immunity entail extensive interactions between platelets and neutrophils. Under physiological conditions, vascular inflammation offers a template for the establishment of effective intravascular immunity, with platelets providing neutrophils with an array of signals that increase their activation threshold, thus limiting collateral damage to tissues and promoting termination of the inflammatory response. By contrast, persistent systemic inflammation as observed in immune-mediated diseases, such as systemic vasculitides, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by platelet and neutrophil reciprocal activation, which ultimately culminates in the generation of thrombo-inflammatory lesions, fostering vascular injury and organ damage. Here, we discuss recent evidence regarding the multifaceted aspects of platelet-neutrophil interactions from bone marrow precursors to shed microparticles. Moreover, we analyse shared and disease-specific events due to an aberrant deployment of these interactions in human diseases. To restore communications between the pillars of the immune-hemostatic continuum constitutes a fascinating challenge for the near future.

Progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus versus rheumatoid arthritis: the impact of low disease activity

Objectives

The progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE and RA has not been comparatively assessed. We sought to investigate the impact of low disease activity and other disease-related factors on atherosclerosis progression in SLE vs RA.

Methods

We performed a 3-year follow-up carotid and femoral artery ultrasound in 101 patients with SLE, 85 with RA and 85 controls after a baseline examination in 115 SLE and 1:1 age- and gender-matched RA patients and controls. We used logistic regression to compare atherosclerosis progression (new plaque development) between SLE and RA vs controls, and assess determinants of progression in SLE patients with different lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) durations, adjusting for disease-related factors, antihypertensives, antiplatelets, statins and the Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation 10-year cardiovascular risk.

Results

The odds ratio (OR) of plaque progression vs controls was significantly higher in SLE (OR = 2.81, P = 0.043), but not in RA (OR = 2.22, P = 0.109). Results were similar in patients with low disease activity (88% of SLE, 74% of RA). Multivariate determinants of progression in SLE included antiphospholipid antibodies (OR = 2.00, P = 0.043) and Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation (OR = 2.87, P = 0.019) for all patients, and additionally cumulative corticosteroid dose during follow-up (OR = 1.38, P = 0.013) and disease duration (OR = 1.20, P = 0.022) for patients in LLDAS over entire follow-up. Results were similar for patients with shorter LLDAS durations (>75% or >50% of follow-up).

Conclusion

Plaque progression is accelerated in SLE regardless of disease activity, and is associated with antiphospholipid antibodies and the Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation. In LLDAS, cumulative corticosteroid dose and disease duration are additional determinants of progression.

Prevalence of coronary artery calcification in young patients with SLE of predominantly Hispanic and African-American descent

Objectives

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in SLE. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores predict CVD events, independent of traditional risk factors. Patients with SLE aged >45 years have an increased prevalence of CAC in a predominantly white population. Little is known about CAC in younger patients with SLE. We evaluated CAC in younger patients with SLE of predominantly African–American and Hispanic ancestry, compared with healthy controls.

Methods

We identified 76 patients with SLE meeting 1997 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria, without known coronary artery disease and who had a non-contrast chest CT performed as part of their clinical care, with images retrievable for calculation of CAC scores. Demographics, disease characteristics and comorbidities were ascertained and adjusted for.

Results

42.1% of patients with SLE (mean age 40±13 years, 90% female, 33% Hispanic and 40% African–American) had CAC>0, 32% for age ≤45 years and 61.6% for age >45. Patients with SLE with CAC>0 were older and had more comorbid hypertension. Women with SLE aged ≤45 years, had a 12.6-fold higher adjusted odds of CAC>0 compared with age-matched and sex-matched controls (95% CI 5.2 to 30.7, p<0.001). Furthermore, 29% of patients with SLE aged 18–32 years (median disease duration of 5 years) had CAC>0.

Conclusion

Patients with SLE aged ≤45 years have an increased prevalence of detectable CAC compared with the general population. Our data suggest that subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE develops early and warrants timely screening and cardioprotective interventions.

Association between Negatively Charged Low-Density Lipoprotein L5 and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

L5, the most negatively charged subfraction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is implicated in atherogenesis. We examined the relationship between plasma L5 levels and the occurrence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using anion-exchange purification with fast-protein liquid chromatography, we determined the proportion of plasma L5 of LDL (L5%) in 64 RA patients and 12 healthy controls (HC). Plasma L5% and L5 levels were significantly higher in RA patients (median, 1.4% and 1.92 mg/dL) compared with HC (0.9%, p < 0.005; and 1.27 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and further increased in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis (2.0% and 2.88 mg/dL). L5% and L5 levels decreased in patients after 6-months of therapy (p < 0.01). Subclinical atherosclerosis was indicated by plaque and intima-media thickness determined by carotid ultrasonography. Using multivariate analysis, L5% and L5 levels are revealed as the predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis (odds ratio, 4.94 and 1.01; both p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that cut-off values of L5% ≥ 1.45% and L5 levels ≥ 2.58 mg/dL could predict subclinical atherosclerosis in patients (both p < 0.001). Immunoblotting showed that the expression levels of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) was increased in RA patients. Together, our findings suggest that plasma L5% and L5 levels may be predictors of cardiovascular risk in RA patients.

Increased cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis: mechanisms and implications

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by excess morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Mechanisms linking rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease include shared inflammatory mediators, post-translational modifications of peptides/proteins and subsequent immune responses, alterations in the composition and function of lipoproteins, increased oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Despite a growing understanding of these mechanisms and their complex interplay with conventional cardiovascular risk factors, optimal approaches of risk stratification, prevention, and treatment in the context of rheumatoid arthritis remain unknown. A multifaceted approach to reduce the burden posed by cardiovascular disease requires optimal management of traditional risk factors in addition to those intrinsic to rheumatoid arthritis such as increased disease activity. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis seem to exert differential effects on cardiovascular risk as well as the mechanisms linking these conditions. More research is needed to establish whether preferential rheumatoid arthritis therapies exist in terms of prevention of cardiovascular disease. Ultimately, understanding the unique mechanisms for cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis will aid in risk stratification and the identification of novel targets for meaningful reduction of cardiovascular risk in this patient population.

Disease trends over time and CD4+CCR5+ T-cells expansion predict carotid atherosclerosis development in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) present increased cardiovascular mortality compared to the general population. Few studies have assessed the long-term development and progression of carotid atherosclerotic plaque in SLE patients. Our aim was to investigate the association of clinical and laboratory markers of disease activity and classical cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) with carotid atherosclerosis development in SLE patients in a prospective 5-year study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Clinical history and information on principal CVRFs were collected at baseline and after 5 years in 40 SLE patients (36 women, mean age 42 ± 9 years; 14.4 ± 7 years of mean disease duration) and 50 age-matched controls. Carotid Doppler ultrasonography was employed to quantify the atherosclerotic burden at baseline and at follow up. Clinimetrics were applied to assess SLE activity over time (SLEDAI). The association between basal circulating T cell subsets (including CD4⁺CCR5⁺; CD4⁺CXCR3⁺; CD4⁺HLADR⁺; CD4⁺CD45RA⁺RO^-, CD4⁺CD45RO⁺RA^- and their subsets) and atherosclerosis development was evaluated. During the 5-year follow up, 32% of SLE patients, developed carotid atherosclerosis compared to 4% of controls. Furthermore, considering SLEDAI changes over time, patients within the highest tertile were those with increased incidence of carotid atherosclerosis independently of CVRF. In addition, increased levels of CD4⁺CCR5⁺ T cells were independently associated with the development of carotid atherosclerosis in SLE patients.

CONCLUSION

Serial clinical evaluations over time, rather than a single point estimation of disease activity or CVRF burden, are required to define the risk of carotid atherosclerosis development in SLE patients. Specific T cell subsets are associated with long-term atherosclerotic progression and may further be of help in predicting vascular disease progression.

Association of Anti-Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies With Coronary Artery Calcification in Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Citrullinated proteins have been found within atherosclerotic plaque. However, studies evaluating the association between anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) and imaging measures of atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been limited to seroreactive citrullinated fibrinogen or citrullinated vimentin and have rendered contradictory results. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate this association using an extended panel of ACPAs in a larger sample of RA patients without clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

ACPAs were identified using a custom Bio-Plex bead assay in 270 patients from 2 independent RA cohorts without clinical CVD, with the first one consisting of 195 patients and the other of 75 patients. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) was assessed by computed tomography as a measure of coronary artery disease.

RESULTS

High levels of anti-citrullinated histone H2B antibodies were strongly associated with higher CAC scores, compared with lower antibody levels (P = 0.001); this remained significant after adjustment for traditional CV and RA-specific risk factors (P = 0.03). No association between levels of ACPAs and CAC progression at 3 years was seen (P = 0.09); however, the number of progressors was small (n = 92).

CONCLUSION

Higher levels of ACPAs targeting Cit-histone H2B were associated with higher CAC scores when compared to lower antibody levels, suggesting a potential role for histone citrullination seroreactivity in atherosclerosis.

Cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis: medications and risk factors in China

This study aims to assess the risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to determine the association of traditional and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) with risk for CVD in Chinese rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A cross-sectional cohort of 2013 RA patients from 21 hospitals around China was established. Medical history of CVD was documented. The patients' social background, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, and medications were also collected. Of the 2013 patients, 256 had CVD with an incidence of 12.7%. Compared with non-CVD controls, RA patients with CVD had a significantly advanced age, long-standing median disease duration, more often male and more deformity joints. Patients with CVD also had higher rates of smoking, rheumatoid nodules, interstitial lung disease, and anemia. The prevalence of comorbidities, including hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, was also significant higher in the CVD group. In contrast, patients treated with methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and TNF blockers had lower incidence of CVD. The multivariate analysis showed that the use of HCQ was a protective factor of CVD, while hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and interstitial lung disease were independent risk factors of CVD. Our study shows that the independent risk factors of CVD include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and interstitial lung disease. HCQ reduces the risk of CVD in patients with RA.

Ten-year progression of coronary artery, carotid artery, and aortic calcification in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased vascular calcification, although the rate of progress of calcification is uncertain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the progression of and the predictors for calcification in different vascular beds over 10 years. The 10-year actual coronary calcium score (CS) and 10-year predicted coronary CS, based on the pattern of the general population, were compared. Calcification of the coronary and carotid artery and the aorta was assessed by multi-detector computed tomography. Significant CS progression was determined by the difference between the square root of baseline and square root of follow-up calcium score (i.e., SQRT method). The 10-year predicted coronary CS was based on the mathematical formula derived by the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study. A total of 49 patients (54 ± 11 years, 90% female) had a follow-up scan after 10.0 ± 0.2 years. The CS in all vascular beds was significantly increased; 55% of the patients had a significant progression of CS in the coronary, 29% in the carotid, and 80% in the aorta. Age and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were independently associated with calcification progression in all vascular beds. Importantly, the absolute increase in 10-year actual coronary CS was significantly higher than that predicted. In patients with RA, calcification in all vascular beds significantly increased over 10 years and was independently associated with age and SBP. Importantly, the absolute increase in 10-year actual coronary CS progression was significantly higher than that predicted.

Coronary Artery Calcification Is Related to Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study

Objective. A long-term follow-up of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to evaluate factors related to coronary artery calcification (CAC). Methods. All 22 eligible patients (4 males/18 females, mean age 65 years, and RA-duration 30-36 years) from the original (baseline; n = 39) study of atherosclerosis were included. Inflammation, cardiovascular risk factors, and biomarkers were measured at baseline. At follow-up 13 years later, CAC was assessed by computed tomography (CT) and the grade of inflammation was measured. Multivariate analysis of differences between patients with low (0-10) and high CAC (>10) was done by orthogonal projection to latent structures (OPLS). Results. Ten patients had CAC 0-10 and 12 had >10 (range 18-1700). Patients with high CAC had significantly higher ESR (24.3 versus 9.9 mm/h) and swollen joint count (2 versus 0). The OPLS models discriminated between patients having high or low CAC. With only baseline variables, the sensitivity was 73% and the specificity 82%. The model that also included inflammatory variables from follow-up had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 85%. Exclusion of baseline intima media thickness and plaque from the latter model modestly reduced the accuracy (sensitivity 80% and specificity 83%). Conclusions. CAC is related to inflammation in patients with RA.

Insulin resistance in rheumatoid arthritis: disease-related indicators and associations with the presence and progression of subclinical atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Systemic inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) are linked, yet the determinants of IR and its impact on atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of IR in RA and non-RA populations and investigate whether the associations of IR with measures of atherosclerosis differ between these groups.

METHODS

IR was quantified using the homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), and was compared between RA patients and demographically matched non-RA controls. Differences in the associations between the HOMA-IR index and the Agatston coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, ultrasound-determined intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA), and focal plaque in the ICA/carotid bulb were compared according to RA status.

RESULTS

Among the 195 RA patients and 198 controls studied, average HOMA-IR levels were higher in the RA group by 31%, and were consistently higher in the RA group regardless of stratification by demographic or cardiometabolic risk factors. While the HOMA-IR index was strongly and significantly associated with C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the control group, the association was weaker in the RA group. Among RA patients, higher HOMA-IR levels were associated with rheumatoid factor (RF) seropositivity in men and women, and prednisone use in women only. Before adjustment, higher HOMA-IR levels were associated with all assessed measures of subclinical atherosclerosis in the control group only; associations were diminished and lost statistical significance after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Among the RA patients, neither baseline nor average HOMA-IR levels were significantly associated with change in any of the atherosclerosis measures over an average of 3.2 years of followup.

CONCLUSION

Although IR was higher in RA patients than in non-RA controls, higher levels may not independently impart additional risk of atherosclerosis.

Ischemic heart disease in women: a focus on risk factors

Heart disease remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in women in the United States and worldwide. This review highlights known and emerging risk factors for ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women. Traditional Framingham risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, smoking, as well as lifestyle habits such as unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle are all modifiable. Health care providers should be aware of emerging cardiac risk factors in women such as adverse pregnancy outcomes, systemic autoimmune disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, and radiation-induced heart disease; psychosocial factors such as mental stress, depression, anxiety, low socioeconomic status, and work and marital stress play an important role in IHD in women. Appropriate recognition and management of an array of risk factors is imperative given the growing burden of IHD and need to deliver cost-effective, quality care for women.

Left ventricular function in treatment-naive early rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

The role of inflammation and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unclear. Previous studies have suggested that both disease activity and disease duration are associated with atherosclerosis and a higher mortality rate caused primarily by coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated how disease activity, anti-CCP status and coronary calcium score in treatment-naive early RA impacts left ventricular (LV) systolic function.

METHODS

Fifty-tree patients (30 women) with mean age 58.3±1.3 years and steroid- and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-naive early RA were included. Disease activity was scored by the use of the Danish national DANBIO registry (number of swollen joints (NSJ (28)), number of tender joints (NTJ (28)), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)). Pain, fatigue, patient and physician global assessment and a composite disease activity score (DAS28-CRP) were assessed by visual analog scales (VAS) 0-100. IgM rheumafactor (IgM-RF) and anti-CCP titers were evaluated by standardized techniques. Coronary calcium score was estimated by computed tomography by calculating the Agaston score. One experienced senior rheumatologist and one experienced cardiologist performed all the clinical assessments as well as all the transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and coronary CT analysis.

RESULTS

Disease activity scores before treatment at baseline were: NSJ (28) 7.1±2.7, NTJ (28) 8.5±3.5, CRP 11.7±12.9 mmol/l, HAQ 0.71±0.6, pain VAS 51.1±23.7, fatigue VAS 49.3±24.9, physician global assessment 54.2±15.0 and DAS28-CRP 4.8±0.7. Twenty-three (43%) patients were IgM-RF positive and 33 (62%) were anti-CCP positive. We found LV systolic function by conventional ejection fraction (EF) to be 54.1±9.2% and to be non-significant correlated to disease activity (CRP: r=0.07, p=0.64; baseline NSJ: r=-0.13, p=0.33; NTJ: r=-0.08, p=0.58; HAQ: r=0.23, p=0.1; pain VAS: r=-0.05, p=0.74; fatigue VAS: r=0.03, p=0,83; physician global assessment: r=-0.09, p=0.54 and DAS28: r=-0.03, p=0.84). However, using a more sensitive measurement of the LV function by global longitudinal systolic strain (GLS), we found a significant correlation: HAQ (r=0.29; p=0.037), patient global assessment by VAS (r=0.35; p=0.011), patient fatigue assessment by VAS (r=0.3; p=0.03) and DAS28-CRP (r=0.28; p=0.043); all corrected for relevant confounders (age, gender, pulse and blood pressure). Furthermore, anti-CCP was highly significantly correlated with GLS (r=-0.44; p=0.001) in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, it still remained significantly correlated (p=0.018), after correction for age, gender, pulse, and blood pressure. Using strain analysis of LV function, we found a significant difference in GLS in patients with high values of anti-CCP (titers ≥340) compared to patients with anti-CCP (titers <340); (-19.9±2.1% vs. -16.4±2.8%; p=0.0001). For patients with high IgM-RF, results were non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a significant correlation between increased disease activity and cardiac function in treatment-naive early RA.