Oxidized High-Density Lipoprotein and Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a disproportionately increased cardiovascular risk (CVR). Serological CVR predictors that capture this disease-associated risk increase are currently not available. Elevated levels of oxidized high-density lipoprotein (oxHDL) have been associated with coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of oxHDL as a CVR predictor in RA.

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with confirmed RA undergoing variable disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy. Anamnestic, clinical, and laboratory surrogate markers of cardiovascular morbidity and disease activity were collected. Th quantification of oxHDL was conducted using a fluorometric biochemical cell-free assay.

A total of 200 RA patients were included in the study. oxHDL showed significant correlations with the following variables: body mass index (BMI) (positive), total cholesterol, and average daily prednisolone dose (both negative). Overweight and hypertensive individuals exhibited higher levels of oxHDL. Additionally, oxHDL correlated positively with the number of tender small joints.

oxHDL is associated with distinct CVR indicators in RA. Both prospective and follow-up data are needed to definitively evaluate the role of oxHDL in CVR assessment in RA.