The genesis of cardiovascular risk in inflammatory arthritis: insights into glycocalyx shedding, endothelial

Alexander Krasimirov Angelov1,2, Miroslav Markov3,4, Mariana Ivanova1,2

  • 1Medical Faculty, Medical University - Sofia, Sofia, 1431, Bulgaria.

Clinical Rheumatology
|August 15, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Inflammatory arthritis (IA) accelerates cardiovascular disease (CVD) by promoting atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. The endothelial glycocalyx (EG) plays a key role in this process, highlighting the link between systemic inflammation and heart health.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pathology
  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Inflammatory arthritis (IA) induces systemic inflammation beyond localized joint issues.
  • Chronic inflammation in IA significantly accelerates cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression.
  • The endothelial glycocalyx (EG) is implicated in early atherosclerosis development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the interplay between IA and cardiovascular pathology.
  • To elucidate the role of the endothelial glycocalyx (EG) in IA-driven CVD acceleration.
  • To explore mechanisms linking inflammation, EG degradation, and endothelial dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of existing literature.
  • Analysis of inflammatory mediators' impact on endothelial function and EG.
  • Examination of microparticles, microRNA, and complement activation in CVD pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • IA exacerbates atherosclerosis initiation and endothelial dysfunction.
  • Inflammatory mediators modulate microtubule dynamics, affecting EG integrity.
  • Systemic inflammation and sheddases contribute to EG degradation, impacting CVD.

Conclusions:

  • IA significantly accelerates CVD through systemic inflammation and EG damage.
  • EG integrity is crucial for maintaining endothelial function in the context of IA.
  • Understanding these mechanisms offers insights into preventing IA-related cardiovascular events.

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