Infliximab treatment increases left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: assessment of heart function by echocardiography, endothelin 1, interleukin 6, and NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide

Cardiovascular complications of rheumatoid arthritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients remain at higher cardiovascular (CV) risk compared to non-RA patients, driven by accelerated atherosclerosis, leading to plaque rupture and acute CV events (CVE), including heart failure (HF). It has been hypothesized that chronic inflammation is the main driving force behind such outcomes. We summarize the current evidence supporting this hypothesis, focusing on arterial disease and myocardial disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

RA patients demonstrate higher prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis (high risk plaque and arterial inflammation) compared to non-RA patients, with RA disease activity correlating independently with CVE and death. Nonischemic HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is more common in RA compared to non-RA, with subclinical myocardial structural and functional alterations also more prevalent in RA. HFpEF and myocardial remodeling and dysfunction bear a strong and independent association with inflammatory correlates.

SUMMARY

All of this suggests that inflammation contributes to enhanced risk of CVE in RA. A more accurate and specific CV risk stratification tool for RA, incorporating biomarkers or imaging, is needed. Likewise, more prospective studies outlining the trajectory from preclinical to clinical HF, incorporating biomarkers and imaging, are also needed.

Could Endothelin-1 Be a Promising Neurohormonal Biomarker in Acute Heart Failure?

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a life-threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality. Even though this pathology has been extensively researched, there are still challenges in establishing an accurate and early diagnosis, determining the long- and short-term prognosis and choosing a targeted therapeutic strategy. The use of reliable biomarkers to support clinical judgment has been shown to improve the management of AHF patients. Despite a large pool of interesting candidate biomarkers, endothelin-1 (ET-1) appears to be involved in multiple aspects of AHF pathogenesis that include neurohormonal activation, cardiac remodeling, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, atherosclerosis and alteration of the renal function. Since its discovery, numerous studies have shown that the level of ET-1 is associated with the severity of symptoms and cardiac dysfunction in this pathology. The purpose of this paper is to review the existing information on ET-1 and answer the question of whether this neurohormone could be a promising biomarker in AHF.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Family Members and Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: State of the Art and Therapeutic Implications

Ischemic heart disease is the principal cause of death worldwide and clinically manifests as myocardial infarction (MI), stable angina, and ischemic cardiomyopathy. Myocardial infarction is defined as an irreversible injury due to severe and prolonged myocardial ischemia inducing myocardial cell death. Revascularization is helpful in reducing loss of contractile myocardium and improving clinical outcome. Reperfusion rescues myocardium from cell death but also induces an additional injury called ischemia-reperfusion injury. Multiple mechanisms are involved in ischemia-reperfusion injury, such as oxidative stress, intracellular calcium overload, apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and inflammation. Various members of the tumor necrosis factor family play a key role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this article, the role of TNFα, CD95L/CD95, TRAIL, and the RANK/RANKL/OPG axis in the regulation of myocardial tissue damage is reviewed together with their potential use as a therapeutic target.

Inhibition of TNF-α Restores Muscle Force, Inhibits Inflammation, and Reduces Apoptosis of Traumatized Skeletal Muscles

Background: Muscle injuries are common in humans and are often associated with irrecoverable damage and disability. Upon muscle injury, TNF-α signaling pathways modulate the healing process and are predominantly associated with tissue degradation. In this study we assumed that TNF-α inhibition could reduce the TNF-α-associated tissue degradation after muscle injury. Materials and methods: Therefore, the left soleus muscle of 42 male Wistar rats was injured using a standardized open muscle injury model. All rats were treated immediately after injury either with infliximab (single i.p. injection; 10 mg/kg b.w.) or saline solution i.p. Final measurements were conducted at day one, four, and 14 post injury. The muscle force, the muscle cell proliferation, the muscle cell coverage as well as the myofiber diameter served as read out parameters of our experiment. Results: Systemic application of infliximab could significantly reduce the TNF-α levels in the injured muscle at day four upon trauma compared to saline treated animals. The ratio of muscle weight to body weight was increased and the twitch muscle force showed a significant rise 14 days after trauma and TNF-α inhibition. Quantification of myofiber diameter in the penumbra zone showed a significant difference between both groups at day one and four after injury, indicated by muscle hypertrophy in the infliximab group. Planimetric analysis of the injured muscle at day 14 revealed increased muscle tissue fraction in the infliximab group compared to the control animals. Muscle cell proliferation did not differ between both groups. Conclusions: These data provide evidence that the TNF-α blockade positively regulates the restauration of skeletal muscles upon injury.

Differential impact of biologic therapy on heart function biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Observational study on etanercept, adalimumab and tocilizumab

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents the most frequent form of inflammatory arthritis affecting approximately 1% of the population worldwide. Introduction of novel therapeutic strategies targeting proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and interleukin-6) revolutionized the treatment of RA. This kind of treatment, although effective in a substantial portion of patients, may potentially cause many side effects. Among them cardiovascular safety is one of the main concerns. Objectives In the present study, we investigated what impact treatment with anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-6 agents may have on heart function and levels of heart function biomarkers Methods To measure this, we used cardiac function biomarkers such as NT-pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide, mid regional pro Atrial Natriuretic Peptide, Galectin-3 and Heart-Type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein and compared them to patients treated with methotrexate as well as healthy controls. Results Patients treated with biologics were characterized by low disease activity or were in remission. The disease activity in these groups were significantly lower in comparison to the methotrexate group. All patient recruited to the study were characterized by normal heart function measured with the use of echocardiography (EF>50%). With the exception of MR-proANP between tocilizumab and adalimumab (median: 1.01 vs 0.49 nmol/L, p < 0.05), we failed to observe any significant differences in biomarkers levels between groups treated with biologics. Contrary to this, patients on MTX showed higher NT-proBNP levels compared to adalimumab, and healthy controls (p < 0.05 for both). Striking differences have been shown in regard to H-FABP. The levels of these biomarkers were elevated in all biologics and the methotrexate group as compared to healthy controls. Conclusion As this biomarker reflects potential heart injury we suggest that heart damage proceeds in continuous manner in RA patients despite effective treatment and attainment of remission/low disease activity. This finding however should be verify in larger cohort of RA patients to ascertain if routine assessment of H-FABP may be useful for detection of patients with RA who are at risk of development of heart damage.

Myocardial Dysfunction and Heart Failure in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have almost twice the risk of heart failure (HF) as individuals without RA, even with adjustment for the presence of ischemic heart disease. Moreover, RA patients remain at a 2-fold higher risk of mortality from HF compared to non-RA patients. These observations suggest that RA-specific inflammatory pathways are significant contributors to this increased risk of HF. Herein we summarize the epidemiology of HF in RA patients, the differences in myocardial structure or function between RA patients and non-RA patients without clinical signs of HF, and data on the role of systemic and local inflammation in RA HF pathophysiology. We also discuss the impact of subduing inflammation through the use of RA disease-modifying therapies on HF and myocardial structure and function, emphasizing gaps in the literature and areas needing further research.

Insight into the Pro-inflammatory and Profibrotic Role of Macrophage in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

The prevalence of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is higher than that of HF with reduced/midrange ejection fraction (HFrEF/HFmrEF). However, no evidence-based guidelines for managing HFpEF have been generated. The current body of knowledge indicates that fibrosis and inflammation are important components of the cardiac remodeling process in HFpEF. In addition, macrophages potentially play an important role in pro-inflammatory and profibrotic processes in HFpEF patients, whereas HFpEF comorbidities could be a driving force for systemic microvascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Under such circumstances, macrophages reportedly contribute to inflammation and fibrosis through 3 phases namely, inflammation, repair, and resolution. Signal transduction pathway-targeted therapies using animal experiments have generated important discoveries and breakthroughs for understanding the underlying mechanisms of HFpEF. However, only a handful of studies have reported promising results using human trials. Further investigations are therefore needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms underlying HFpEF and immune-pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis.

Subclinical Cardiac Organ Damage in Patients with Moderate to Severe Psoriasis

We explored the association between subclinical cardiac organ damage (OD) with comorbidities and psoriasis severity in 53 psoriasis patients on infliximab treatment (age 47 ± 15 years, 30% women) and 99 controls without psoriasis (age 47 ± 11 years, 28% women). Cardiac OD was assessed by echocardiography as the presence of increased left ventricular (LV) relative wall thickness (RWT), LV hypertrophy or dilated left atrium. Psoriasis severity was graded using the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). The prevalence of hypertension was 66% in psoriasis vs. 61% in controls (p = 0.54) and cardiac OD seen in 51 and 73%, respectively (p = 0.007). Psoriasis was associated with a lower prevalence of cardiac OD (odds ratio (OR) 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13–0.77, p = 0.01) independent of age, sex, smoking, body mass index, and hypertension. Among psoriasis patients, hypertension was associated with increased risk of subclinical cardiac OD (OR 6.88, 95% CI 1.32–35.98, p = 0.02) independent of age, sex, and body mass index. PASI at treatment initiation was associated with a higher RWT at follow-up, independent of sex, age, and hypertension (β 0.36, p = 0.006) while no association with current PASI was found. In conclusion, cardiac OD was less prevalent in psoriasis patients on infliximab treatment than controls. Hypertension was the major covariable for subclinical cardiac OD in psoriasis.

Effect of Biologics on Cardiovascular Inflammation: Mechanistic Insights and Risk Reduction

It is increasingly recognized that atherosclerosis and consequently cardiovascular disease (CVD) are closely linked with inflammatory processes. The latter is in the center of the pathogenic mechanism underlying autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD). It follows then, that optimal control of inflammation in ARDs may lead to a decrease of the accompanied CVD risk. Major trials (eg, CANTOS, CIRT), aimed at examining the possible benefits of immunomodulatory treatments in CVD, demonstrated conflicting results. On the other hand, substantial evidence is accumulating about the possible beneficial effects of biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in patients with ARDs, particularly those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It seems that bDMARDs (some more than others) alter the lipid profile in RA patients but do not adversely affect, in most cases, the TC/HDL ratio. Favorable effects are noted for arterial stiffness and endothelial function. This is reflected in the lower risk for CVD events, seen in observational studies of RA patients treated with bDMARDs. It should be stressed that more data exist for the TNF-inhibitors than for other bDMARDs, such as tocilizumab, abatacept and rituximab. As regards the spondyloarthropathies (SpA), data are less robust. For TNF-inhibitors, effects appear to be on par with those seen in RA but no conclusions can be drawn for newer biologic drugs used in SpA (eg, IL-17 blockers). Finally, there is accumulating evidence for a beneficial effect of immunosuppressive treatment in cardiac inflammation and function in several ARDs. Introduction of newer therapeutic options in clinical practice seem to have a positive impact on CVD in the setting of ARD. This is probably due to better control of inflammation, but direct improvement in vascular pathology is also a valid hypothesis. Most data are derived from observational studies and, therefore, randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the possible favorable effect of bDMARDs on CVD outcomes.

Pathogenesis of ischaemic and non-ischaemic heart diseases in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterised by a chronic inflammatory condition of the joints, but the comorbidities of RA predominantly contribute to the reduced lifespan associated with this disease. Clinical data indicate that cardiovascular disease is the major comorbidity associated with mortality in RA. In this review, we aimed to describe the pathogenesis of heart failure in RA. First, we emphasised the fundamental differences between ischaemic and non-ischaemic heart diseases and referred to their relevance in excessive cardiovascular-dependent mortality in RA. Second, we highlighted aspects of asymptomatic changes in cardiac tissue and in coronary blood vessels that are commonly found in patients with diagnosed RA. Third, we focused on high-grade systemic inflammation as a key trigger of ischaemic and non-ischaemic heart diseases in RA, and described the implication of conventional and biologic antirheumatic medications on the development and progression of heart disease. In particular, we discussed the roles of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and anti-TNF-α therapies on the development and progression of ischaemic and non-ischaemic heart diseases in RA.

Cardiac Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Role of Inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that carries an increased risk of mortality due to cardiovascular disease. The link between inflammation and atherosclerotic disease is clear; however, recent evidence suggests that inflammation may also play a role in the development of nonischemic heart disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We consider here the link between inflammation and cardiovascular disease in the RA community with a focus on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The effect of current anti-inflammatory therapeutics, used to treat RA patients, on cardiovascular disease are discussed as well as whether targeting resolution of inflammation might offer an alternative strategy for tempering inflammation and subsequent inflammation-driven comorbidities in RA.

Cardiovascular Effects of Biologic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

The risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease is increased among patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases and remains an underserved area of medical need. Although traditional risk factors for CV disease, such as hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia and obesity contribute to endothelial dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they are not enough on their own to explain the observed excess CV risk. Rather, systemic inflammation seems to play a pivotal role in both disease states. Considering the inflammatory process in autoimmune diseases, scientific interest has focused on recently introduced biologic disease-modifying agents (bDMARDS) such as inhibitors of Tumor Necrosis Factor- α (ΤΝF-α), Interleukins -1 (IL-1) and -6 (IL-6). Despite the widespread use of bDMARDS in RA and other chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases, their precise impact on CV disease and outcome remains to be elucidated, while prospective randomized control trials assessing their impact on hard CV endpoints are scarce. In this review, we summarize current knowledge concerning the effect of bDMARDs on CV outcome and on the risk of developing CV disease in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Induction of remission in female rheumatoid arthritis patients is associated with stabilization of myocardial abnormalities: a prospective cardiac magnetic resonance follow-up study

Objectives: To study whether female patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have myocardial abnormalities and whether progression of myocardial involvement can be attenuated by disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).Method: Cardiac magnetic resonance (cMR; 1.5 or 3.0 T), including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), T1 relaxation time, and ventricular functions, was performed in 30 patients with untreated active early RA starting first DMARDs, and 28 patients with chronic RA with inadequate response to conventional synthetic DMARDs starting biological DMARDs. cMR was repeated in RA patients 1 year later. cMR was conducted once in 22 fibromyalgia (FM) subjects and in 35 healthy volunteers serving as controls. All subjects were non-smoking females without coronary heart disease, heart failure, or diabetes.Results: Compared with controls, 58 RA patients had slightly lower ventricular function, although in the normal range, and longer T1 time at baseline. None of the FM subjects had LGE, but it was frequent in RA (67%). During the 1 year DMARD treatment, Disease Activity Score based on 28-joint count-C-reactive protein declined, ventricular functions tended to improve, but the number of patients with LGE remained unchanged. However, the number of LGE-positive heart segments either decreased or stayed the same in 91% of RA patients. In early RA patients, achieving tight remission was associated with LGE stabilization, after adjustment for age, metabolic syndrome, baseline inflammatory activity, and leisure-time physical activity.Conclusion: Treatment targeted to tight remission in early stages of RA seems to be important to prevent not only joint damage but also myocardial abnormalities.

Complexity of TNF-α Signaling in Heart Disease

Heart disease is a leading cause of death with unmet clinical needs for targeted treatment options. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) represents a master pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in many immunopathogenic processes. Anti-TNF-α therapy is widely used in treating autoimmune inflammatory disorders, but in case of patients with heart disease, this treatment was unsuccessful or even harmful. The underlying reasons remain elusive until today. This review summarizes the effects of anti-TNF-α treatment in patients with and without heart disease and describes the involvement of TNF-α signaling in a number of animal models of cardiovascular diseases. We specifically focused on the role of TNF-α in specific cardiovascular conditions and in defined cardiac cell types. Although some mechanisms, mainly in disease development, are quite well known, a comprehensive understanding of TNF-α signaling in the failing heart is still incomplete. Published data identify pathogenic and cardioprotective mechanisms of TNF-α in the affected heart and highlight the differential role of two TNF-α receptors pointing to the complexity of the TNF-α signaling. In the light of these findings, it seems that targeting the TNF-α pathway in heart disease may show therapeutic benefits, but this approach must be more specific and selectively block pathogenic mechanisms. To this aim, more research is needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms of TNF-α signaling in the failing heart.

The Effect of Anti-TNF Therapy on Cardiac Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Observational Study

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the second most prevalent cause of death in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The systemic inflammatory state in RA patients is deemed responsible for this finding. Anti-inflammatory treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy decreases CV risk and subsequently might improve the cardiac function by lowering the overall inflammatory state. This study investigated the effect of anti-TNF on the cardiac function in RA patients. Fifty one RA patients were included, of which thirty three completed follow-up. Included patients were >18 years, had moderate-high disease activity and no history of cardiac disease. Patients were assessed at baseline and after six months of anti-TNF treatment. Patients underwent conventional Speckle tracking and tissue Doppler echocardiography in combination with clinical and laboratory assessments at baseline and follow-up. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) showed no changes during follow-up, LVEF 63% (±9) to 62% (±8) p = 0.097 and GLS -20 (±4) to -20 (±3) p = 0.79, respectively. Furthermore, E/e' nor E/A changed significantly between baseline and follow-up, respectively 8 (7-9) and 8 (7-9) p = 0.17 and 1.1 (±0.4) and 1.1 (±0.4) p = 0.94. Follow-up NT-proBNP decreased with 23%, from 89 ng/L (47-142) to 69 ng/L (42-155), p = 0.10. Regression analysis revealed no association between change in inflammatory variables and cardiac function. Echocardiography showed no effect of anti-TNF treatment on the cardiac function in RA patients with low prevalence of cardiac dysfunction. Moreover, NT-proBNP decreased, possibly indicating (subtle) improvement of the cardiac function.

Chronic Heart Failure in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients (Part III): Effects of Antirheumatic Drugs

Chronic autoimmune inflammation is one of the leading risk factors for the development of chronic heart failure (CHF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of the review is to analyze the results of investigations on the effects of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), and targeted csDMARDs on cardiac function and the risk of developing CHF in patients with RA. Methotrexate may reduce the CHF risk and have a positive effect on the course of this condition in patients with RA. Despite the data on the presence of leflunomide effects that impede myocardial remodeling, there is no evidence of the role of the drug in the prevention of CHF in RA patients. Hydroxychloroquine may contribute to the prevention of CHF, but the risk of developing severe cardiotoxicity should be considered when taking the drug for a long time. Most studies have not revealed the negative effect of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors on the prevalence and incidence of new cases of CHF in RA patients, and an improvement in the structure and function of the heart during therapy has been shown. Inhibitors of interleukin (IL) -1, inhibitors of IL-6, inhibitors of T-cell co-stimulation, anti-B-cell therapy, targeted csDMARDs do not increase the risk of CHF and may have cardioprotective effects, including slowing the progression of left ventricle myocardial dysfunction. Due to the high risk of CHF and CHF-associated mortality in RA patients, early diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction, development of a prevention and treatment strategies are needed, including high-quality prospective studies to assess the effect of anti-rheumatic therapy on myocardial function, risk of developing and decompensation of CHF in RA patients. It is possible that some drugs may possess protective effects on cardiomyocytes so they could become the first-line drugs in patients with CHF or the risk of its development.

Bimodal Function of Anti-TNF Treatment: Shall We Be Concerned about Anti-TNF Treatment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Failure?

Treatment with anti-TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor), one of the pivotal cytokines, was introduced to clinical practice at the end of last century and revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as many other inflammatory conditions. Such a treatment may however bring many safety issues regarding infections, tuberculosis, as well as cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. Given the central role of proinflammatory cytokines in RA, atherosclerosis, and congestive heart failure (CHF), such a treatment might result in better control of the RA process on the one side and improvement of heart function on the other. Unfortunately, at the beginning of this century two randomized controlled trials failed to show any benefit of anti-TNF treatment in patients with heart failure (HF), suggesting direct negative impact of the treatment on morbidity and mortality in HF patients. As a result the anti-TNF treatment is contraindicated in all patients with heart failure and a substantial portion of patients with RA and impaired heart function are not able to benefit from the treatment. The role of TNF in CHF and RA differs substantially with regard to the source and pathophysiological function of the cytokine in both conditions, therefore negative data from CHF studies should be interpreted with caution. At least some of RA patients with heart failure may benefit from anti-TNF treatment, as it results not only in the reduction of inflammation but also contributes significantly to the improvement of cardiac function. The paper addresses the epidemiological data of safety of anti-TNF treatment in RA patients with the special emphasis to basic pathophysiological mechanisms via which TNF may act differently in both diseases.

Translational overview of cytokine inhibition in acute myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure

Many cytokines are currently under investigation as potential target to improve cardiac function and outcome in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (MI) or chronic heart failure (HF). Here we aim to provide a translational overview of cytokine inhibiting therapies tested in experimental models and clinical studies. In various experimental studies, inhibition of interleukin-1 (IL-1), -6 (IL-6), -8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), CC- and CXC chemokines, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) had beneficial effects on cardiac function and outcome. On the other hand, neutral or even detrimental results have been reported for some (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1). Ambivalence of cytokine function, differences in study designs, treatment regimens and chosen endpoints hamper the translation of experimental research into clinical practice. Human studies are currently limited to IL-1β inhibition, IL-1 receptor antagonists (IL-1RA), IL-6 receptor antagonists (IL-6RA) or TNF inhibition. Despite favorable effects on cardiovascular events observed in retrospective cohort studies of rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with TNF inhibition or IL-1RA, most prospective studies reported disappointing and inconsistent results. Smaller studies (n < 100) generally reported favorable results of anticytokine therapy on cardiac function, but only one of the larger studies (n > 100) evaluating IL-1β inhibition presented positive results on outcome. In conclusion, of the 10 anticytokine therapies tested in animals models beneficial effects have been reported in at least one setting. In larger clinical studies, findings were unsatisfactory in all but one. Many anticytokine therapies with promising animal experimental data continue to require further evaluation in humans.

Cardiovascular Imaging Techniques in Systemic Rheumatic Diseases

The risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality is significantly higher in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases than in the general population. Although CV involvement in such patients is highly heterogeneous and may affect various structures of the heart, it can now be diagnosed earlier and promptly treated. Various types of assessments are employed for the evaluation of CV risk such as transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) to investigate valve abnormalities, pericardial disease, and ventricular wall motion defects. The diameter of coronary arteries can be assessed using invasive quantitative coronarography or intravascular ultrasound, and coronary flow reserve can be assessed using non-invasive transesophageal or transthoracic ultrasonography (US), MRI, CT, or positron emission tomography (PET) after endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Finally, peripheral circulation can be measured invasively using strain-gauge plethysmography in an arm after the arterial infusion of an endothelium-dependent vasodilator or non-invasively by means of US or MRI measurements of flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery. All of the above are reliable methods of investigating CV involvement, but more recently, introduced use of speckle tracking echocardiography and 3-dimensional US are diagnostically more accurate.

Features of cardiac remodeling in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Complicated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cardiovascular diseases are important factors to increased morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of RA on cardiac remodeling in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Sixty-one patients with ACS complicated with RA (RA group) and 55 age- and sex-matched patients with ACS without RA (control group) were enrolled. We compared the parameters of laboratory and echocardiogram across the 2 groups. Levels of serum brain natriuretic peptide in patients with RA were significantly higher than control group. Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and LV diastolic dysfunction (E/A < 1) were significantly higher in the RA patients, while the LV ejection fraction (EF%) was significantly lower in RA patients. Incidence of tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary regurgitation were significantly higher in ACS patients with RA than in the ACS patients without RA. In RA group, levels of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol were negatively correlated with C reactive protein (CRP), EF% was also negatively correlated with CRP. The prevalence of LVH and mitral regurgitation showed positive correlations with ESR. Early intervention for controlling the inflammation associated with RA can play a significant role in preventing cardiac remodeling in ACS patients.

Association Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Risk of Ischemic and Nonischemic Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether the increased risk of heart failure (HF) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is independent of ischemic heart disease (IHD).

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate the relative risk of HF overall and by subtype (ischemic and nonischemic HF) in patients with RA and to assess the impact of RA disease factors.

METHODS

Two contemporary cohorts of RA subjects were identified from Swedish patient and rheumatology registries and matched 1:10 to general population comparator subjects. A first-ever HF diagnosis (classified as ischemic HF or nonischemic HF based on the presence of IHD) was assessed through registry linkages. Relative risks for a history of HF before RA onset were calculated through odds ratios. Relative risks of incident HF in RA were calculated as hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS

By the time of RA onset, a history of HF was not more common in RA. In the new-onset RA cohort, the overall HRs for subsequent HF (any type), ischemic HF, and nonischemic HF were between 1.22 and 1.27. The risk of nonischemic HF increased rapidly after RA onset, in contrast to the risk of ischemic HF. High disease activity was associated with all HF types but was most pronounced for nonischemic HF. In the cohort of patients with RA of any duration, the HRs were between 1.71 and 1.88 for the different HF subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with RA are at increased risk of HF that cannot be explained by their increased risk of IHD. The increased risk of nonischemic HF occurred early and was associated with RA severity.

Improvement in insulin resistance is greater when infliximab is added to methotrexate during intensive treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis-results from the IDEA study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the change in established biomarkers of cardiovascular (CV) risk, namely, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and insulin resistance (IR) in patients with early RA treated with two different treat-to-target strategies.

METHODS

Fasting glucose, lipids, insulin and NT-proBNP were measured at baseline, weeks 26 and 78 in 79 DMARD-naïve RA patients, free of CV disease, as part of a double-blind randomized controlled trial of MTX with either infliximab (IFX) or methylprednisolone as induction therapy. Homeostasis model assessment-estimated IR (HOMA-IR) (glucose*insulin/405) was used to measure IR. Multiple imputation was employed, and linear regression analyses were adjusted for baseline values.

RESULTS

Changes in DAS44-CRP did not differ between the treatment arms at weeks 26 and 78. Mean TC/HDL-C, HOMA-IR and NT-proBNP improved in both groups at weeks 26 and 78, although change in NT-proBNP was not statistically significant at week 78. Changes in TC/HDL-C and NT-proBNP were similar between treatment arms, but HOMA-IR values in the IFX + MTX arm were 42% lower than those treated with MTX + methylprednisolone at week 78 (P = 0.003); the difference remained significant after adjustment for baseline BMI, ACPA positivity, smoking status and intramuscular glucocorticoid use (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

When implementing a treat-to-target approach, treatment of early RA was associated with improvement in TC/HDL-C, HOMA-IR and NT-proBNP, and a greater long-term improvement in HOMA-IR was seen in those treated with IFX.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EU Clinical Trials Register, http://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu, Eudract-2005-005013-37; ISRTCNregisrty, http://www.isrctn.com, ISRCTN48638981.

Increased extracellular water measured by bioimpedance and by increased serum levels of atrial natriuretic peptide in RA patients-signs of volume overload

The aim of the study is to investigate water compartments in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Acute inflammatory episodes such as infection stimulate water retention, chiefly implemented by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This is an important compensatory mechanism due to expected water loss (sweating etc.). Since SNS and HPA axis are activated in RA, inflammation might be accompanied by water retention. Using bioimpedance analysis, body composition was investigated in 429 controls and 156 treatment-naïve RA patients between January 2008 and December 2014. A group of 34 RA patients was tested before and after 10 days of intensified therapy. Levels of pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (proANP) and expression of atrial natriuretic peptide in synovial tissue were investigated in 15 controls and 14 RA patients. Extracellular water was higher in RA patients than controls (mean ± SEM: 49.5 ± 0.3 vs. 36.7 ± 0.1, % of total body water, p < 0.0001). Plasma levels of proANP were higher in RA than controls. RA patients expressed ANP in synovial tissue, but synovial fluid levels and synovial tissue superfusate levels were much lower than plasma levels indicating systemic origin. Systolic/diastolic blood pressure was higher in RA patients than controls. Extracellular water levels did not change in RA patients despite 10 days of intensified treatment. This study demonstrates signs of intravascular overload in RA patients. Short-term intensification of anti-inflammatory therapy induced no change of a longer-lasting imprinting of water retention indicating the requirement of additional treatment. The study can direct attention to the area of volume overload.

Is adalimumab protective in ischemia-reperfusion injury in lung?

OBJECTIVES

Increasing cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) during ischemia reperfusion (I-R) leads to the lung damage. Adalimumab (Ada) is a potent tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor agent. We aimed to evaluate whether Ada would prevent the lung tissue from damage development over the I-R process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty seven Wistar albino male rats were divided into three groups (each group had 9 rats). To the control group, only laparotomy procedure was carried out. For I-R group, first infrarenal abdominal aorta was cross-clamped during 2 hr, and then reperfusion was performed for 2 hr. To I-R+Ada group, first a single dose of 50 mg/kg Ada was given intraperitoneally and 5 days later, same I-R procedure was carried out.

RESULTS

Levels of TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and caspase-3 enzyme activity of I-R group were higher than that of both I-R+ Ada [TNF-α (P=0.021), MDA (P=0.029), MPO (P=0.012), ET-1 (P=0.036, caspase-3 (P=0.007), respectively] and control group [TNF-α (P=0.008), MDA (P<0.001), MPO (P=0.001), ET-1 (P<0.001), caspase-3 (P<0.001), respectively]. In I-R group, severe damage was detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining. This damage was found less severe in Ada treatment group.

CONCLUSION

The release of cytokines and ET-1 in a large proportion after I-R injury, and generating of ROS in excessive quantity could cause severe damage in the lung tissue. Ada could be considered as a protective agent for lung tissue during I-R process.

Protective Effects of Infliximab on Lung Injury Induced by Methotrexate

INTRODUCTION

Methotrexate (MTX) is used to treat cancers, several forms of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, although MTX may cause pulmonary toxicity related to the production of free oxygen radicals, various cytokines. Infliximab (IB) with its potent effect on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibition also inhibits the release of endothelin-1 (ET-1). We aimed to investigate whether IB reduces pulmonary damage induced by an overdose of MTX.

METHOD

The rats were divided into 3 groups of 8 animals. The control group was given only saline. One dose of 20mg/kg MTX intraperitoneal was administered in the MTX group. IB 7 mg/kg was given to the MTX+IB (MI) group. Three days after IB was administered, 20mg/kg MTX was given. Five days after MTX was administered, all rats were sacrificed.

RESULTS

The TNF-α, ET-1, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and caspase-3 levels in MTX group were significantly higher than in control groups of TNF-α (P=.001), ET-1 (P=.001), MDA (P=.001), MPO (P=.001) and caspase-3 levels (P=.001) and MI groups of TNF-α (P=.009), ET-1 (P=.001), MDA (P=.047), MPO (P=.007) and caspase-3 levels (P=.003). The MI group had less histopathological damage in lung tissue than the MTX group.

CONCLUSION

Overdose of MTX leads to cytokine release and the formation of reactive oxygen species in addition to increased ET-1 secretion release that causes lung damage. IB, as a potent proinflammatory agent, TNF-α blocker, can decrease ET-1 release and oxidative stress, it may show significant protective effects in lung tissue against damage caused by MTX overdose.

Protective Effects of Infliximab on Lung Injury Induced by Methotrexate

INTRODUCTION

Methotrexate (MTX) is used to treat cancers, several forms of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, although MTX may cause pulmonary toxicity related to the production of free oxygen radicals, various cytokines. Infliximab (IB) with its potent effect on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibition also inhibits the release of endothelin-1 (ET-1). We aimed to investigate whether IB reduces pulmonary damage induced by an overdose of MTX.

METHOD

The rats were divided into 3 groups of 8 animals. The control group was given only saline. One dose of 20mg/kg MTX intraperitoneal was administered in the MTX group. IB 7 mg/kg was given to the MTX+IB (MI) group. Three days after IB was administered, 20mg/kg MTX was given. Five days after MTX was administered, all rats were sacrificed.

RESULTS

The TNF-α, ET-1, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and caspase-3 levels in MTX group were significantly higher than in control groups of TNF-α (P=.001), ET-1 (P=.001), MDA (P=.001), MPO (P=.001) and caspase-3 levels (P=.001) and MI groups of TNF-α (P=.009), ET-1 (P=.001), MDA (P=.047), MPO (P=.007) and caspase-3 levels (P=.003). The MI group had less histopathological damage in lung tissue than the MTX group.

CONCLUSION

Overdose of MTX leads to cytokine release and the formation of reactive oxygen species in addition to increased ET-1 secretion release that causes lung damage. IB, as a potent proinflammatory agent, TNF-α blocker, can decrease ET-1 release and oxidative stress, it may show significant protective effects in lung tissue against damage caused by MTX overdose.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis

The increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been recognized for many years. However, although the characteristics of CVD and its burden resemble those in diabetes, the focus on cardiovascular (CV) prevention in RA has lagged behind, both in the clinical and research settings. Similar to diabetes, the clinical picture of CVD in RA may be atypical, even asymptomatic. Therefore, a proactive screening for subclinical CVD in RA is warranted. Because of the lack of clinical trials, the ideal CVD prevention (CVP) in RA has not yet been defined. In this article, we focus on challenges and controversies in the CVP in RA (such as thresholds for statin therapy), and propose recommendations based on the current evidence. Due to the significant contribution of non-traditional, RA-related CV risk factors, the CV risk calculators developed for the general population underestimate the true risk in RA. Thus, there is an enormous need to develop adequate CV risk stratification tools and to identify the optimal CVP strategies in RA. While awaiting results from randomized controlled trials in RA, clinicians are largely dependent on the use of common sense, and extrapolation of data from studies on other patient populations. The CVP in RA should be based on an individualized evaluation of a broad spectrum of risk factors, and include: 1) reduction of inflammation, preferably with drugs decreasing CV risk, 2) management of factors associated with increased CV risk (e.g., smoking, hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, kidney disease, depression, periodontitis, hypothyroidism, vitamin D deficiency and sleep apnea), and promotion of healthy life style (smoking cessation, healthy diet, adjusted physical activity, stress management, weight control), 3) aspirin and influenza and pneumococcus vaccines according to current guidelines, and 4) limiting use of drugs that increase CV risk. Rheumatologists should take responsibility for the education of health care providers and RA patients regarding CVP in RA. It is immensely important to incorporate CV outcomes in testing of anti-rheumatic drugs.

Type I IFNs as biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis: towards disease profiling and personalized medicine

RA (rheumatoid arthritis) is a chronic rheumatic condition hallmarked by joint inflammation and destruction by self-reactive immune responses. Clinical management of RA patients is often hampered by its heterogeneous nature in both clinical presentation and outcome, thereby highlighting the need for new predictive biomarkers. In this sense, several studies have recently revealed a role for type I IFNs (interferons), mainly IFNα, in the pathogenesis of a subset of RA patients. Genetic variants associated with the type I IFN pathway have been linked with RA development, as well as with clinical features. Moreover, a role for IFNα as a trigger for RA development has also been described. Additionally, a type I IFN signature has been associated with the early diagnosis of RA and clinical outcome prediction in patients undergoing biological drug treatment, two challenging issues for decision-making in the clinical setting. Moreover, these cytokines have been related to endothelial damage and vascular repair failure in different autoimmune disorders. Therefore, together with chronic inflammation and disease features, they could probably account for the increased cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality of these patients. The main aim of the present review is to provide recent evidence supporting a role for type I IFNs in the immunopathology of RA, as well as to analyse their possible role as biomarkers for disease management.

Tocilizumab treatment increases left ventricular ejection fraction and decreases left ventricular mass index in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without cardiac symptoms: assessed using 3.0 tesla cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our pilot study was to prospectively evaluate the effect of inhibiting interleukin 6 on the left ventricular (LV) structure and function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without cardiac symptoms, using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

METHODS

Female patients with RA with active disease and healthy controls were enrolled. Cardiac symptoms were absent in all subjects. Tocilizumab (TCZ; 8 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks) was prescribed for patients with RA with an inadequate clinical response to methotrexate. All subjects underwent baseline evaluation of LV function and structure measured by CMR. We compared measures of LV geometry and function between patients with RA and patients without RA controls at baseline, and changes in the same variables between baseline and after 52 weeks of treatment among the group with RA.

RESULTS

Twenty women with RA were compared with 20 women without RA of similar mean age. In patients with RA at baseline, ejection fraction (EF) was significantly lower (-3.7%) and LV mass index (LVMI) significantly higher (+9.2%) compared with controls. TCZ treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) after 52 weeks of treatment, paralleling a significant increase in EF (+8.2%) and a significant decrease in LVMI (-24.4%) over the same period. The percentage change in LVMI correlated strongly with the percentage change in SDAI (r = -0.63, p = 0.0028). LV geometry in the group with RA at baseline showed eccentric hyper-trophy compared with the group without RA, a condition that normalized after TCZ treatment.

CONCLUSION

TCZ treatment significantly increased EF and decreased LVMI associated with disease activity.

Disease activity and left ventricular structure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness/internal diameter ratio (relative wall thickness) was recently reported in RA patients. The aim of this study was to assess the association between LV relative wall thickness and RA disease activity.

METHODS

Clinical and echocardiographic data from 129 RA patients without established cardiovascular disease and 102 controls were used. RA disease activity was assessed by different composite scores and active RA defined by the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) level exceeding the cut-off for remission (SDAI >3.3).

RESULTS

The RA patients were on average 61.3 years old, 77% were women and 67% had active RA (SDAI >3.3). Patients with active RA had greater LV relative wall thickness and included more patients with treated hypertension (all P < 0.05), but had LV mass index and blood pressure comparable to patients in remission. Having active RA by the SDAI score (β = 0.20, P = 0.008) was also independently associated with greater LV relative wall thickness after adjusting for systolic blood pressure, wall stress, age and sex in a multivariate model. This association was robust also in secondary models including other disease activity composite scores such as the Clinical Disease Activity Index and 28-joint DAS.

CONCLUSION

Among RA patients, higher disease activity was independently associated with greater LV relative wall thickness, reflecting subclinical heart disease. The findings point to the importance of disease activity control in RA patients to prevent progression to clinical heart disease.

Preventing Heart Failure in Inflammatory and Immune Disorders

Patients with chronic inflammatory diseases are at increased risk for heart failure due to ischemic heart disease and other causes including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Using rheumatoid arthritis and treated HIV infection as two prototypical examples, we review the epidemiology and potential therapies to prevent heart failure in these populations. Particular focus is given to anti-inflammatory therapies including statins and biologic disease modifying drugs. There is also limited evidence for lifestyle changes and blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. We conclude by proposing how a strategy for heart failure prevention, such as the model tested in the Screening To Prevent Heart Failure (STOP-HF) trial, may be adapted to chronic inflammatory disease.

Arrhythmic risk in rheumatoid arthritis: the driving role of systemic inflammation

When compared to the general population, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an overall standard mortality ratio of approximately two, with more than 50% of premature deaths attributable to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, RA patients were twice as likely to experience sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared with non-RA subjects, as a putative consequence of an increased incidence of malignant arrhythmias. Accordingly, mounting data indicate that in patients affected with RA the risk of developing rhythm disturbances, particularly tachyarrhythmias, is high. Although a number of papers reviewing the problem of cardiovascular involvement in RA are currently available, the main focus is on the mechanisms of accelerated atherosclerosis and related ischemic consequences in the clinical setting. On the contrary, only little consideration has been specifically given to the arrhythmic risk so far. In the light of this concern, in the present paper we reviewed the topic with the aim to put together the apparently fragmentary existing information, with particular attention to the putative role of chronic systemic inflammation characterizing the disease. In fact, although the underlying mechanisms accounting the arrhythmogenic substrate in RA are probably intricate, the leading role seems to be played by inflammatory activation, able to promote arrhythmias either indirectly, by accelerating the development of structural CVD, and directly by affecting cardiac electrophysiology. In this view, lowering inflammatory burden through an increasingly tight control of disease activity may represent the most effective intervention to reduce arrhythmic risk and prevent life-threatening complications in these patients.

Role of A20 in cIAP-2 protection against tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-mediated apoptosis in endothelial cells

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) influences endothelial cell viability by altering the regulatory molecules involved in induction or suppression of apoptosis. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not completely understood. In this study, we demonstrated that A20 (also known as TNFAIP3, tumor necrosis factor α-induced protein 3, and an anti-apoptotic protein) regulates the inhibitor of apoptosis protein-2 (cIAP-2) expression upon TNF-α induction in endothelial cells. Inhibition of A20 expression by its siRNA resulted in attenuating expression of TNF-α-induced cIAP-2, yet not cIAP-1 or XIAP. A20-induced cIAP-2 expression can be blocked by the inhibition of phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase (PI3-K), but not nuclear factor (NF)-κB, while concomitantly increasing the number of endothelial apoptotic cells and caspase 3 activation. Moreover, TNF-α-mediated induction of apoptosis was enhanced by A20 inhibition, which could be rescued by cIAP-2. Taken together, these results identify A20 as a cytoprotective factor involved in cIAP-2 inhibitory pathway of TNF-α-induced apoptosis. This is consistent with the idea that endothelial cell viability is dependent on interactions between inducers and suppressors of apoptosis, susceptible to modulation by TNF-α.

Heart involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: multimodality imaging and the emerging role of cardiac magnetic resonance

OBJECTIVES

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exhibit a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD in RA can present in many guises, commonly detected at a subclinical level only.

METHODS

Modern imaging modalities that allow the noninvasive assessment of myocardial performance and are able to identify cardiac abnormalities in early asymptomatic stages may be useful tools in terms of screening, diagnostic evaluation, and risk stratification in RA.

RESULTS

The currently used imaging techniques are echocardiography, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Between them, echocardiography provides information about cardiac function, valves, and perfusion; SPECT provides information about myocardial perfusion and carries a high amount of radiation; and CMR-the most promising imaging modality-evaluates myocardial function, inflammation, microvascular dysfunction, valvular disease, perfusion, and presence of scar. Depending on availability, expertise, and clinical queries, "right technique should be applied for the right patient at the right time."

CONCLUSIONS

In this review, we present a short overview of CVD in RA focusing on the clinical implication of multimodality imaging and mainly on the evolving role of CMR in identifying high-risk patients who could benefit from prevention strategies and early specific treatment targeting the heart. Advantages and disadvantages of each imaging technique in the evaluation of RA are discussed.

Cardiovascular disease in autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Various autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, vasculitis and systemic lupus erythematosus, are associated with premature atherosclerosis. However, premature atherosclerosis has not been uniformly observed in systemic sclerosis. Furthermore, although experimental models of atherosclerosis support the role of antiphospholipid antibodies in atherosclerosis, there is no clear evidence of premature atherosclerosis in antiphospholipid syndrome (APA). Ischemic events in APA are more likely to be caused by pro-thrombotic state than by enhanced atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in ARDs is caused by traditional and non-traditional risk factors. Besides other factors, inflammation and immunologic abnormalities, the quantity and quality of lipoproteins, hypertension, insulin resistance/hyperglycemia, obesity and underweight, presence of platelets bearing complement protein C4d, reduced number and function of endothelial progenitor cells, apoptosis of endothelial cells, epigenetic mechanisms, renal disease, periodontal disease, depression, hyperuricemia, hypothyroidism, sleep apnea and vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the premature CVD. Although most research has focused on systemic inflammation, vascular inflammation may play a crucial role in the premature CVD in ARDs. It may be involved in the development and destabilization of both atherosclerotic lesions and of aortic aneurysms (a known complication of ARDs). Inflammation in subintimal vascular and perivascular layers appears to frequently occur in CVD, with a higher frequency in ARD than in non-ARD patients. It is possible that this inflammation is caused by infections and/or autoimmunity, which might have consequences for treatment. Importantly, drugs targeting immunologic factors participating in the subintimal inflammation (e.g., T- and B-cells) might have a protective effect on CVD. Interestingly, vasa vasorum and cardiovascular adipose tissue may play an important role in atherogenesis. Inflammation and complement depositions in the vessel wall are likely to contribute to vascular stiffness. Based on biopsy findings, also inflammation in the myocardium and small vessels may contribute to premature CVD in ARDs (cardiac ischemia and heart failure). There is an enormous need for an improved CVD prevention in ARDs. Studies examining the effect of DMARDs/biologics on vascular inflammation and CV risk are warranted.