Impaired endothelial function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus are linked to accelerated atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular events.
• The relationship between inflammation, atherosclerosis, and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) remains controversial.
• AS is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the degree of atherosclerosis and endothelial function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
• To investigate the link between inflammation and vascular health in AS.
• To utilize ultrasonography for assessing vascular parameters in AS patients.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-four AS patients and 31 healthy controls were enrolled.
• Serum lipids, creatinine, glucose, and acute-phase proteins were measured.
• Vascular parameters including flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) of the brachial artery and common carotid artery were assessed sonographically.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) was observed between AS patients and controls.
• Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) was significantly lower in AS patients compared to controls (P=0.03).
• Nitroglycerin-induced dilatation was also lower in AS patients, though not statistically significant (P=0.07).

Conclusions:

• This study demonstrates impaired endothelial function in ankylosing spondylitis patients.
• The findings suggest a potential increased cardiovascular risk in individuals with AS.
• Endothelial dysfunction may be an early indicator of vascular involvement in AS.