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Serum lipid pattern and apolipoproteins (A1 and B100) in active rheumatoid arthritis
M Magarò1, L Altomonte, A Zoli
1Istituto di Clinica Medica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
Insights
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) show lower levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol and apolipoproteins, increasing cardiovascular disease risk. Reduced albumin also suggests impaired protein synthesis in active RA.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and atherosclerosis are leading causes of mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Understanding the biochemical markers associated with increased CVD risk in RA is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum lipid profiles, apolipoproteins (ApoA1, ApoB100), total proteins, and albumin in female patients with active RA.
- To identify potential etiological factors for cardiovascular and atherosclerotic disease in RA patients.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 35 female patients with active RA and a control group.
- Analysis of serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, apolipoproteins A1 and B100, total proteins, and albumin.
Main Results:
- RA patients exhibited significantly lower levels of apolipoproteins A1 and B100 compared to controls.
- HDL cholesterol and serum albumin levels were significantly reduced in RA patients.
- No significant differences were found in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or triglycerides between RA patients and controls.
Conclusions:
- Reduced apolipoproteins and HDL cholesterol in RA patients are potential contributors to their elevated risk of cardiovascular and atherosclerotic diseases.
- Lower serum albumin levels in active RA may indicate a decreased hepatic synthesis of proteins, including lipoproteins.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerotic manifestations have been reported to be the most common causes of death in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present investigation the levels of serum lipids, apolipoproteins (A1 and B100), total proteins, and albumin were studied in 35 female patients affected by active RA. Apolipoproteins A1 and B100 were significantly lower in RA patients than in controls. No significant difference was observed in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or triglycerides. In contrast, HDL cholesterol and serum albumin were significantly lower in RA patients compared to controls. The finding of reduced apolipoproteins and HDL-cholesterol levels may represent an important factor in the etiology of cardiovascular and atherosclerotic disease in RA. Reduced levels of albumin in active RA may indicate a reduced rate of proteins like lipoproteins in the liver.