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The following is a summary of “Higher levels of markers for early atherosclerosis in anti-citrullinated protein antibodies positive individuals at risk for RA, a cross sectional study,” published in the July 2024 issue of Rheumatology by Hinkema et al.

Researchers conducted a retrospective study comparing serum biomarker levels associated with atherosclerosis among anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA)-positive groups.

They combined data from 2 sources, the Dutch Lifelines Cohort Study and past studies on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) risk and early RA conducted at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). Additionally, 4 groups of individuals were focused on who tested positive for anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) but had varying levels of joint complaints and RA risk. Blood samples from the groups were analyzed using Luminex technology to measure characteristics like joint complaints, with joint complaints, RA risk, and early RA groups.

The result showed higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 (TNFR1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the RA risk and early RA groups compared to patients with joint complaints. The difference remained significant even after accounting for factors like kidney function, smoking, and high blood pressure. Specifically, individuals with ACPA antibodies and joint complaints had an RA risk group of CRP OR = 2.67, P=0.033, IL-6 OR = 3.73, P=0.019, TNFR1 OR = 1.003, P<0.001, VGEF OR = 8.59, P=0.019.

Investigators concluded that individuals at risk for RA exhibit heightened inflammatory markers and VEGF, highlighting the importance of rheumatologist evaluation to assess arthritis development and address cardiovascular risk.

Source: link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00296-024-05659-5