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Published on: October 12, 2017
Dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases
Sabina Waldecker-Gall1, Felix Seibert2, Sebastian Bertram2
1Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany.
Insights
Chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease (CIRD) is linked to higher oxidized high-density lipoprotein (HDLox), indicating impaired HDL function. Treatment reduced HDLox, suggesting improved cardiovascular health in CIRD patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- The mechanisms behind low cholesterol in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD) are not fully understood.
- Chronic inflammation may impair high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality through oxidative processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess oxidized HDL (HDLox), a marker of HDL dysfunction, in newly diagnosed CIRD patients.
- To compare HDLox levels in CIRD patients before and after immunosuppressive therapy with non-CIRD controls.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational trial involving 44 newly diagnosed CIRD patients and 136 controls.
- Measurements included lipid profiles, HDLox, and C-reactive protein (CRP) at baseline and 12 weeks for CIRD patients.
- Disease activity and function were assessed using validated tools.
Main Results:
- CIRD patients exhibited significantly higher HDLox concentrations compared to controls (1.57 vs. 0.78, p=0.02).
- CIRD patients showed trends towards lower LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol levels.
- HDLox and CRP levels decreased in CIRD patients after 12 weeks of immunosuppressive therapy.
Conclusions:
- CIRD is associated with impaired HDL anti-inflammatory properties, evidenced by increased HDLox.
- Elevated HDLox may contribute to the heightened cardiovascular risk observed in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Background:
The mechanism explaining low cholesterol concentrations in chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease (CIRD) is incompletely understood. We hypothesized that chronic inflammation impairs the functionality of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), for example, by oxidative processes.
Objectives:
Assessment of oxidized HDL (HDLox), a marker of dysfunctional HDL, in newly diagnosed patients with CIRD before and after initiation of immunosuppressive therapy and comparison of HDLox values of patients with CIRD to non-CIRD controls.
Design:
Prospective observational trial.
Methods:
The study was conducted on 44 newly diagnosed CIRD patients, who were initiated on immunosuppressive therapy (baseline). A total of 136 patients without CIRD served as control. Lipid profiles including HDLox levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in both groups at baseline. In CIRD patients, measurements were repeated 12 weeks after baseline. Validated outcome tools for disease activity and function were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks.
Results:
A total of 33 (75%) patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 7(16%) with axial spondyloarthritis, and 4 (9%) with systemic lupus erythematosus were included. Groups were comparable for age and BMI. CIRD patients had higher HDLox concentrations (1.57 versus 0.78, p = 0.02) and tended to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and cholesterol concentrations compared to controls. HDLox (1.57 versus 1.4, p = 0.26) and CRP levels (2.1 versus 0.7 mg/dl, p < 0.01) decreased in CIRD patients from baseline to follow-up.
Conclusion:
CIRD is associated with an impairment of the anti-inflammatory properties of HDL as reflected by an increase in HDLox concentrations. This effect may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk in chronic inflammatory diseases.
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