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Updated: May 13, 2026

Du-Moxibustion in a Mouse Model of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Published on: October 27, 2023
Spironolactone improves endothelial dysfunction in ankylosing spondylitis.
Ashit Syngle1, Kanchan Vohra, Dinesh Khichi
1Healing Touch City Clinic, Chandigarh, India.
Spironolactone treatment significantly improved endothelial dysfunction and reduced inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. This study highlights spironolactone
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is linked to endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis.
- This contributes to premature cardiovascular disease and mortality in AS patients.
- Spironolactone has shown potential in reducing inflammation and improving endothelial function in other inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of spironolactone on endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory disease activity in anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-naive AS patients.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week open-label study involving 20 anti-TNF-naive AS patients with high disease activity.
- Measurements included inflammatory markers (BASDAI, BASFI, ESR, CRP), serum nitrite, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD).
- Patients received oral spironolactone (2 mg/kg/day); a healthy control group was included for comparison.
Main Results:
- AS patients exhibited significantly impaired FMD at baseline compared to controls.
- Spironolactone treatment led to significant improvements in FMD, reduced nitrite levels, and decreased inflammatory markers (BASDAI, BASFI, ESR, CRP).
- All measured parameters showed statistically significant improvements post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial dysfunction is an integral component of the ankylosing spondylitis disease process.
- Spironolactone demonstrates efficacy in simultaneously improving endothelial function and reducing inflammatory disease activity in AS patients.
- This is the first study to establish spironolactone's dual benefit in this patient population.
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