| 1 |
Ruscitti
et al., 2017
33
|
Italy |
Prospective observational study (n=347) |
To investigate the existence of atherosclerosis in RA. |
There was a significant increase in the development of subclinical atherosclerosis in RA patients during the follow-up (p<0.00001). |
Both chronic inflammation and traditional cardiovascular risk factors are responsible for the occurrence of premature atherosclerosis in RA. |
| 2 |
Ambrosino
et al., 2015
34
|
Italy |
Meta-analysis (n=7923) |
To assess the impact of RA on cIMT and carotid plaques. |
RA patients had a higher common carotid artery intima media thickness (CCA-IMT) (p<0.00001) and a higher prevalence of plaques (p<0.00001) compared with the control group. |
RA is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and regular CVD screening and prevention strategies would benefit RA patients. |
| 3 |
Bes
et al., 2018
35
|
Turkey |
Case–control study (n=65) |
To evaluate whether Lp-PLA2 activity was associated with atherosclerosis in RA. |
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) enzyme activity was found to be similar in RA patients and healthy control subjects but lower than in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (p=0.006). |
There was no association between Lp-PLA2 atherogenic activity and RA when compared to the control group and DM group, possibly because the RA patients were undergoing therapy and had low disease activity scores. |
| 4 |
Ruscitti
et al., 2019
36
|
Italy |
Prospective observational study (n=841) |
To determine occurrence of atherosclerosis in RA. |
RA patients had a significantly increased rate of subclinical and clinical atherosclerosis (p<0.0001). |
The long-term vascular outcomes of RA patients can be improved by recognizing the role of inflammation and traditional CVD risk factors in order to develop treatment regimens accordingly. |
| 5 |
Verma
et al., 2017
37
|
India |
Prospective study (n=60) |
To assess endothelial function in patients with RA. |
In RA patients, flow mediated dilatation (FMD) was found to be significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001) whereas cIMT was found to be higher in RA patients compared with controls (p=0.003). |
These findings were consistent with endothelial dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with RA. |
| 6 |
Hannawi
et al., 2020
38
|
UAE |
Cross-sectional study (n=250) |
To assess the occurrence of subclinical atherosclerosis in RA. |
Patients with RA had a significantly higher cIMT compared with the control group (p=0.03). |
This study concluded that subclinical atherosclerosis is more prevalent in RA patients compared with healthy controls. |
| 7 |
Krajnc
et al., 2021
39
|
Slovenia |
Prospective observational study (n=110) |
To assess the importance of traditional CV factors and inflammation in RA. |
Both plaque formation (p=0.005) and cIMT (p=0.001) was greater in patients with RA compared with the matched control group. |
Inflammatory mediators seem to be more significant than traditional CVD risk factors as indicators of the atherosclerotic burden in premenopausal women with RA. |
| 8 |
Burggraaf
et al., 2018
40
|
The Netherlands |
Cohort analysis (n=212) |
To assess cIMT in RA patients following a treat-to-target intervention and in patients with concomitant MetS. |
Treat-to-target intervention resulted in lower progression of cIMT. In RA patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) was higher than in patients without MetS (p<0.001). |
In RA patients without MetS, implementing CVD therapeutic regimens can help curb the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. |
| 9 |
Suarez
et al., 2019
41
|
Mexico |
Case–control study (n=209) |
To evaluate carotid ultrasound findings in RA patients. |
The incidence of bilateral carotid plaque (CP) was more than double in RA patients compared with the control group (15.5%
versus 6.6%). |
This study confirmed the increased prevalence of RA-related subclinical atherosclerosis. |
| 10 |
Ursini
et al., 2017
42
|
Italy |
Meta-analysis (n=346) |
To assess whether anti-TNF-α therapy improves endothelial function. |
RA patients receiving anti-TNF-α therapy showed a statistically significant improvement of endothelial function (p<0.0001). |
Endothelial dysfunction is one of the mechanisms implicated in the increased cardiovascular morbidity in individuals with RA. |
| 11 |
Végh
et al., 2019
43
|
Hungary |
Prospective cohort study (n=53) |
To assess whether anti-TNF-α therapy improves vascular function in RA patients. |
Anti-TNFα treatment showed an improvement in FMD and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in patients with RA during the course of the study (p=0.004 and (p=0.034 respectively). |
This shows that TNFα inhibition improved and stabilized vascular-related outcomes in patients with RA. |
| 12 |
Pérez-Sánchez
et al., 2017
44
|
Spain |
Case–control study (n=146) |
To evaluate the role of NETosis in the development of CVD in RA. |
Patients with RA demonstrated enhanced (neutrophil extracellular trap) NET formation (p=0.02). |
NETosis-derived products have a role in atherosclerosis and these products could be used to assess therapeutic response in RA patients. |
| 13 |
Anghel
et al., 2021
45
|
Romania |
Retrospective observational study (n=115) |
To assess the role of anti-TNFα drugs on cIMT. |
After 1 year of anti-TNFα drugs, patients with RA showed a significant decrease in cIMT (p<0.001) and homocysteine levels. |
This study concluded that biological treatments such as anti-TNF-α drugs are effective in reducing the cardiovascular risk in RA. |
| 14 |
Majka
et al., 2017
46
|
USA |
Prospective cohort study (n=6532) |
To assess whether RA-related antibodies are independent risk factors for atherosclerosis in RA. |
Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) were increased in women with RA with coronary artery calcium (CAC) ≥300 (odds ratio 2.4 [95% CI 1.2–5.1] and odds ratio 4.1 [95% CI 1.3–12.7] respectively). |
RA-autoantibodies are an independent risk factor for the development and propagation of subclinical and clinical atherosclerosis, indicating their role in atherogenesis in RA patients. |
| 15 |
Rodríguez-Carrio
et al., 2014
47
|
Spain |
Prospective study (n=255) |
To assess the role of EPC populations in RA. |
Long-standing RA was correlated with a reduction in endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) population (p<0.001). |
EPC imbalance is associated with an increased risk of CVD in RA and this association may be due to defective endothelial repair. |
| 16 |
Nowak
et al., 2016
48
|
Poland |
Observational study (n=61) |
To investigate the role of non-traditional risk factors in mediating atherosclerosis in RA. |
RA patients had a higher level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) compared to controls (p=0.04) and the presence of anti-CCP antibodies were associated with a greater cIMT (p=0.04). |
The presence of anti-CCP antibodies and the oxLDL fraction can be determinants of CVD risk in RA. |
| 17 |
Adawi
et al., 2018
49
|
Israel |
Prospective cohort study (n=57) |
To assess endothelial function in patients with RA. |
Out of 44 patients with RA, only 6 (13.6%) had normal endothelial function. RF was positive in 26 subjects (59.1%), whereas anti-CCP antibodies were found in 25 (56.8%) patients. |
This study acknowledges the presence of accelerated atherosclerosis in RA and proposes the clinical use of FMD% as a measure of endothelial function to predict subsequent atherosclerosis. |
| 18 |
Dimitroulas
et al., 2017
50
|
UK |
Prospective study (n=197) |
To evaluate whether ADMA and ADMA levels are associated with atherosclerosis in RA. |
There was a significant association between acetylcholine (Ach) and both SDMA (p=0.014) and ADMA:SDMA ratio (p=0.027), especially in the group with a higher inflammatory status. |
Along with being novel biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, SDMA and ADMA may also cause endothelial injury in patients with RA due to being mediators of inflammation. |
| 19 |
Spinelli
et al., 2017
51
|
Italy |
Case–control study (n=80) |
To assess whether anti-CarP antibodies are associated with atherosclerosis in RA. |
There was a statistically significant association of anti-carbamylated protein antibodies (anti-CarP) with FMD in RA patients (p=0.04). |
This study concluded that patients with RA experience endothelial dysfunction without the presence of traditional CVD risk factors. |
| 20 |
González-Juanatey
et al., 2011
52
|
Spain |
Prospective study (n=118) |
To assess endothelial function and cIMT in RA patients. |
Patients with longer RA disease duration had higher cIMT values (p<0.001) and lower FMD (p<0.001), indicating increased cardiovascular risk. |
Irrespective of CVD, endothelial dysfunction and cIMT were shown to increase as the time course of RA progressed. |
| 21 |
Rodríguez-Carrio
et al., 2015
53
|
Spain |
Comparative study (n=194) |
To assess RDW in relation to endothelial repair failure in RA patients. |
An increase in red cell distribution width (RDW) caused a decrease in EPC counts in patients with established RA after adjusting for disease duration and traditional CVD risk factors (p<0.009). |
RDW is associated with lower EPC populations and endothelial dysfunction and repair failure, thus contributing to the pathophysiology of CVD in RA. |
| 22 |
Karpouzas
et al., 2020
54
|
USA |
Prospective cohort study (n=101) |
To evaluate the role of inflammation in mediating atherosclerosis in RA. |
Plaque burden was increased in 48% of patients and was associated with age, higher inflammation, and prednisone dose (p<0.05). |
This study concluded that inflammation is an independent risk factor for subsequent premature atherosclerosis in RA. |
| 23 |
Huaranga
et al., 2018
55
|
Spain |
Cross-sectional study (n=119) |
To investigate the role of RA disease activity in the development of atherosclerosis. |
High-risk patients, as defined by age, gender, blood pressure, presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies and high disease activity, had a 3× increased risk of developing atherosclerotic plaques (p=0.037). |
This study found that moderate or high disease activity is significantly associated with an increased risk of RA-related subclinical atherosclerosis. |
| 24 |
Dehghan
et al., 2015
56
|
Iran |
Case–control study (n=70) |
To investigate the prevalence of atherosclerosis in patients with inactive RA. |
RA patients presented with more carotid plaques and a higher cIMT compared with the control group (48.6
versus 14.3% and 0.705±0.140
versus 0.580±0.125 respectively). |
In patients with inactive RA, chronic inflammation is predictive of atherosclerosis. |
| 25 |
Lo Gullo
et al., 2014
57
|
Italy |
Comparative study (n=66) |
To assess the endothelial function and CPC populations in RA. |
RA patients were found to have lower circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) compared to controls (p<0.001) and higher levels of ROS compared with controls (p<0.001). |
Accelerated atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in RA may be due to inflammation and oxidative stress caused by a reduction in CPCs. |
| 26 |
Sahari
et al., 2014
58
|
Malaysia |
Case–control study (n=80) |
To assess cIMT in RA patients without traditional CV risk factors. |
RF antibodies and an active disease status were significantly correlated with higher cIMT values as compared with healthy controls (p=0.03 and p=0.02, respectively). |
RA patients have a higher co-occurrence of premature atherosclerosis despite the absence of traditional CVD risk factors. |
| 27 |
del Rincón
et al., 2015
59
|
USA |
Comparative study (n=487) |
To investigate factors that mediate accelerated atherosclerosis in RA. |
Increase in cIMT was significantly associated with ESR (Odds ratio 1.12 per 10 mm/h, [95% CI 1.02–1.23]) and the presence of CVD risk factors (Odds ratio 1.27 per risk factor, [95% CI 1.01–1.61]). |
This study concluded that abnormal thickening of the cIMT in patients with RA was associated with chronic inflammation and the presence of traditional CVD risk factors. |
| 28 |
Södergren
et al., 2019
60
|
Sweden |
Prospective cohort study (n=111) |
To assess whether inflammatory biomarkers are associated with atherosclerosis in RA. |
RA patients had significantly elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as MIC-1, TNF-R2, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and endostatin compared with controls. |
Inflammatory biomarkers may be involved in the development of premature subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with RA. |
| 29 |
Södergren
et al., 2015
61
|
Sweden |
Prospective cohort study (n=111) |
To assess the role of traditional CV risk factors and inflammation in mediating atherosclerosis in RA. |
Patients had higher cIMT and poorer FMD values five years after being diagnosed with RA (p<0.01). |
Both traditional CVD risk factors and inflammatory load are predictive of accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with RA. |
| 30 |
Mohan
et al., 2014
62
|
India |
Case–control study (n=64) |
To assess RA-related atherosclerosis in adult south Indian patients. |
RA patients had a higher mean cIMT compared to healthy age and gender-matched controls (p=0.001). |
cIMT is a useful marker to assess progression of atherosclerosis in patients with RA. |
| 31 |
Agca
et al., 2021
63
|
The Netherlands |
Prospective study (n=89) |
To assess the existence of arterial wall inflammation in RA patients. |
A higher 18F-FDG uptake was detected in the wall of the carotid arteries (p<0.01) and the aorta (p<0.01) in patients with RA, even after adjusting for CVD risk factors. |
This study concluded that arterial wall inflammation is implicated in the pathophysiology of RA-related vascular complications. |
| 32 |
Yamamoto
et al., 2019
64
|
Japan |
Prospective study (n=454) |
To determine risk factors for the occurrence of atherosclerosis in RA patients. |
238 (52%) RA-patients had atherosclerosis. Traditional CVD risk factors including age, hypertension, and total/HDL cholesterol ratio were significantly associated with cIMT (p<0.01). |
Inflammatory mediators involved in the RA disease process influence the development of atherosclerotic plaques so the management of RA should involve controlling CVD risk factors and disease activity. |
| 33 |
Guin
et al., 2013
65
|
India |
Prospective study (n=35) |
To assess whether DMARDs improve vascular function in RA patients. |
cIMT value decreased after 1 year of DMARD treatment (p=0.002). |
DMARDs are useful in the management of RA and halting the progression of RA-related atherosclerosis. |
| 34 |
Dalbeni
et al., 2017
66
|
Italy |
Prospective study (n=256) |
To assess risk-factors that accelerate atherosclerosis in RA. |
Among non-modifiable CVD risk-factors, age was significantly associated with carotid segmental distensibility, cIMT, and atherosclerotic plaques in RA patients (p<0.001). |
Age is implicated as the major determinant of premature atherosclerosis in arthritis. |
| 35 |
Ajeganova
et al., 2012
67
|
Sweden |
Prospective study (n=105) |
To assess the influence of atherosclerosis and disease activity in development of CVD. |
Improvement in DAS28 and usage of methotrexate (MTX) reduced the risk of a CVD event [hazard ratio 0.68 (95% CI 0.5–0.97) and 0.34 (95% CI 0.12–0.91), respectively]. |
Elevated levels of oxLDL may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation. Controlling disease activity and early treatment of RA is pivotal in improving vascular-related outcomes in RA patients. |
| 36 |
Liu
et al., 2017
68
|
China |
Prospective study (n=85) |
To investigate the progression of vascular calcification in RA patients. |
Coronary calcium score (CS) was found to be significantly increased in the coronary artery (p<0.01), carotid artery (p<0.01), and aorta (p<0.01). |
This study concluded that there is a significant increase in vascular calcification over 10 years following RA diagnosis. |
| 37 |
Udachkina
et al., 2018
69
|
Russia |
Prospective study (n=74) |
To assess CAC in patients with RA. |
Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was detected in 34 (46%) RA patients. In RA patients who had ischemic heart disease, occurrence of CAC was 100%. |
This study found that CAC was highly prevalent in patients with early RA and this association was positively correlated with age. |
| 38 |
Tuzcu
et al., 2019
70
|
Turkey |
Case–control study (n=69) |
To evaluate whether endocan can be used as a marker for endothelial dysfunction in RA patients. |
RA patients had significantly higher values of human endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan) compared to age and sex-matched controls (p=0.009). |
Endocan can be used as a biomarker to assess endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerotic plaques in patients with RA. |
| 39 |
Fan
et al., 2012
71
|
China |
Case–control study (n=148) |
To assess the presence of atherosclerosis in RA patients using cIMT and FMD%. |
Patients with RA had a significantly higher cIMT compared to the control group (p<0.001) and significantly lower brachial artery FMD% than controls (p<0.001). |
This study concluded that RA patients had subclinical atherosclerosis as assessed by cIMT and FMD%. |
| 40 |
Yiu
et al., 2011
72
|
Hong Kong |
Comparative study (n=170) |
To assess the prevalence of vascular calcification in patients with RA. |
Aortic valve calcification (AVC) and mitral valve calcification (MVC) was highly prevalent in patients with RA or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (p<0.01). |
MVC was an independent risk factor for premature atherosclerosis in patients with RA or SLE after adjusting for clinical parameters. |
| 41 |
Lo Gullo
et al., 2014
73
|
Italy |
Comparative study (n=50) |
To assess the impact of inflammation in mediating atherosclerosis in RA. |
RA patients had a lower count of CD34+ cells, but higher expressions of ROS, TLR3 and IL-1β compared to the control group. RA patients also had elevated levels of CRP, suggesting a proinflammatory milieu. |
Accelerated atherosclerosis in RA is mediated by RA-related inflammatory changes in the vasculature. |
| 42 |
Chung
et al., 2013
74
|
USA |
Prospective study (n=990) |
To assess risk-factors associated with CAC in RA. |
There was no statistical significance in the incidence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in RA patients compared to controls (p=0.68). |
Inflammatory markers were not associated with development of CAC in RA patients. Traditional CVD risk factors, rather than inflammation, are associated with CAC in RA. |
| 43 |
Vázquez-Del Mercado
et al., 2015
75
|
Mexico |
Cross-sectional study (n=82) |
To assess the impact of anti-CCP antibodies on cIMT in RA patients. |
RA patients with anti-CCP positive antibodies had a significantly increased cIMT compared to the control group and anti-CCP negative group (p<0.001). |
Increased incidence of atherosclerosis and CVD events in RA patients are associated with anti-CCP and CRP levels. |
| 44 |
Di Minno
et al., 2015
76
|
Italy |
Meta-analysis (n=1688) |
To assess endothelial function in RA patients using FMD. |
Patients with RA had a lower FMD compared to controls (p=0.0003), but no significant difference was found in nitrate-mediated dilation (NMD) (p=0.49). |
This meta-analysis concluded that patients with RA should be monitored for endothelial dysfunction and therapeutic strategies must be planned to prevent vascular damage in these individuals. |
| 45 |
Di Franco
et al., 2012
77
|
Italy |
Prospective study (n=40) |
To assess the role of SDMA and ADMA in mediating endothelial dysfunction in RA patients. |
In patients with early RA, ADMA levels were higher than in the control group (p=0.007). After treatment with DMARDs, ADMA levels were significantly decreased in this group (p=0.012). |
This study concluded that asymmetric-dimethylarginine and apelin can be used as markers of endothelial impairment in RA patients. |
| 46 |
Kerekes
et al., 2011
78
|
Hungary |
Prospective study (n=8) |
To assess the effect of TNF-α inhibitors on vascular function in RA patients. |
In patients treated with adalimumab, there was a significant decrease in CRP levels (p=0.04) and DAS28 (p<0.0001). Endothelial function, as measured by FMD also improved (p<0.05). |
Treatment with TNF-α inhibitors improved endothelial function and ameliorated atherosclerosis in patients with early RA, suggesting that TNFα is a key mediator of premature atherosclerosis in RA. |
| 47 |
Wahlin
et al., 2016
79
|
Sweden |
Prospective study (n=22) |
To evaluate factors that are associated with CAC in RA patients. |
Patients with RA who had coronary artery calcification (CAC) were found to have increased values of DAS28 and ESR (p<0.01 and p<0.01, respectively). |
In patients with long-standing RA, inflammation is a key mediator of CAC. |
| 48 |
Ahmed
et al., 2016
80
|
Norway |
Prospective study (n=39) |
To assess the role of inflammatory molecules in mediating atherosclerosis in RA. |
In patients with RA, TNF was found in 63% of biopsy specimens whereas only 30% of specimens from the control group expressed TNF (p=0.04). |
Proinflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathophysiology of mediating accelerated atherosclerosis in RA. |
| 49 |
Im
et al., 2015
81
|
Korea |
Prospective study (n=615) |
To assess inflammatory burden in RA patients. |
RA patients had a higher mean cIMT compared to controls (p<0.001). Plaques were more common RA patients (74%) than in controls (26%) (p=0.004). |
Inflammatory mediators and traditional CVD risk factors act synergistically to contribute to the development of premature atherosclerotic disease in RA. |
| 50 |
Profumo
et al., 2012
82
|
Italy |
Prospective study (n=62) |
To assess biomarkers that can be used to predict atherosclerosis in RA. |
RA patients had higher levels of ox-LDL compared to controls. RA patients also had lower levels of NO compared to healthy subjects (p<0.0001). |
This study concluded that ox-LDL and NO are biomarkers of premature atherosclerotic disease in RA. |
| 51 |
Chandrasekharan
et al., 2018
83
|
USA |
Cross-sectional study (n=357) |
To assess the role of SDMA and ADMA in mediating CVD in RA patients. |
Patients with RA had elevated levels of ADMA (p<0.001) and SMDA (p<0.001) and lower levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) (p<0.001) compared with healthy age- and sex-matched controls. |
This study concluded that dysregulated L-arginine metabolism may contribute to the pathophysiology of developing CVD in RA. |
| 52 |
Okano
et al., 2017
84
|
Japan |
Prospective cohort study (n=413) |
To assess whether anti-CCP antibodies contribute to atherosclerosis in RA. |
Carotid plaque was found more commonly in RA patients than control subjects (p=0.027). RA patients with plaques had higher levels of anti-CCP antibodies compared to RA patients without plaques (p=0.005). |
High serum levels of anti-CCP antibodies are associated with causing severe atherosclerotic plaque in RA. |
| 53 |
Geraldino-Pardilla
et al., 2017
85
|
USA |
Prospective study (n=195) |
To assess the role of ACPAs in mediating CAC in RA. |
In patients with RA, high levels of ACPAs were positively correlated with higher CAC scores (p=0.001) and this association was observed even after adjusting for traditional CVD and RA risk factors (p=0.03). |
ACPAs play a significant role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis in RA. |
| 54 |
Marder
et al., 2011
86
|
USA |
Prospective study (n=51) |
To evaluate whether IL-17 is involved in mediating endothelial dysfunction in RA patients. |
Patients with RA who had anti-CCP antibodies in the serum had higher levels of IL-17 compared to patients who were anti-CCP negative (p=0.01). |
IL-17 participates in the development and propagating of endothelial impairment and CVD in patients with RA. |
| 55 |
Barbarroja
et al., 2014
87
|
Italy |
Prospective study (n=106) |
To assess the role of RA-derived antibodies in mediating atherosclerosis in RA. |
In RA patients, anti-CCPs antibody levels were significantly associated with age and DAS28 (p=0.024 and p=0.001, respectively). RA patients who were anti-CCP positive were found to have a strong association with cIMT (p<0.01). |
This study concluded that autoantibodies such as anti-CCPs are significantly associated with the proatherogenic milieu seen in RA patients. |
| 56 |
Davies
et al., 2021
88
|
UK |
Cross-sectional study (n=182) |
To assess the role of IL-6 in mediating atherosclerosis in RA. |
In patients with established RA, a positive correlation was found between the DAS28 index and sVCAM-1 (p = 0.017). |
This study concluded that sVCAM-1 is a risk-factor for the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with RA and that IL-6 plays a role in mediating this. |
| 57 |
van Breukelen-van der
et al., 2015
89
|
The Netherlands |
Cross-sectional study (n=360) |
To assess cIMT values in RA patients and determine the clinical implications of this. |
There was no association between RA and cIMT. In RA patients, cIMT was associated with age and systolic blood pressure (p<0.001) and (p=0.003). |
This study concluded that in RA patients with low disease activity, there is no significant association with cIMT, suggesting that therapeutic strategies that target CVD risk factors seem to improve cardiovascular risk in RA. |
| 58 |
Karpouzas
et al., 2014
90
|
USA |
Prospective study (n=300) |
To assess the prevalence of CAC in RA patients. |
RA patients had higher CAC compared with controls (p < 0.0001). Atheroscletic plaques were more frequently found in patients with RA compared to the control cohort (71%
versus 45%, p<0.0001). |
This study concluded that RA patients without any known CVD had a higher occurrence and severity of coronary atherosclerotic plaque. |
| 59 |
Kassem
et al., 2011
91
|
Egypt |
Prospective study (n=30) |
To assess the importance of non-traditional risk factors in mediating atherosclerosis in RA. |
There was an association between RA patients who harbored carotid atherosclerosis and inflammatory markers such as CRP*, ESR* and IL-6** and VCAM-1*, a marker of endothelial impairment (*p<0.001 and **p<0.05). |
This study found a significant correlation between atherosclerosis and inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction, and rheumatoid arthritis related antibodies. |
| 60 |
Wahab
et al., 2015
92
|
Egypt |
Prospective study (n=75) |
To assess whether anti-CCP antibodies are involved in mediating atherosclerosis in RA. |
RA patients also had higher levels of anti-CCP antibodies compared to controls (p=0.001). |
Anti-CCP antibodies are a useful indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with RA. |
| 61 |
Mondal
et al., 2011
93
|
India |
Prospective study (n=146) |
To assess endothelial function in RA patients. |
RA patients had a lower FMD value than controls (p<0.001). There was a negative association between FMD and CRP levels (p<0.01). |
RA patients without any known CVD risk factors have altered endothelial function and an increased susceptibility to premature atherosclerosis. |
| 62 |
Arida
et al., 2021
94
|
Greece |
Prospective study (n=85) |
To investigate whether PCSK9 or LDLR levels are associated with subclinical CVD in RA patients. |
PCSK9 was significantly associated with atheromatous plaques (p=0.033) and LDLR concentration was also correlated with plaque presence (p=0.005) in RA patients. |
The PCSK9/LDLR system was found to be associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in RA. |
| 63 |
Mena-Vázquez
et al., 2022
95
|
Spain |
Observational study (n=160) |
To analyze association of postprandial lipidemia with subclinical atherosclerosis in RA. |
Postprandial hyperlipidemia (PPHL) in RA patients was associated with subclinical atherosclerosis (p=0.037), TNF-α (p=0.048), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p=0.027). |
PPHL in RA is associated with inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis. |
| 64 |
Wahlin
et al., 2021
96
|
Sweden |
Prospective study (n=79) |
To examine whether regulators of bone formation or turnover are associated with RA-related atherosclerosis. |
Osteocalcin (OCN) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were significantly associated with IMT after 11 years (p=0.03). |
Markers of bone turnover were associated with IMT in RA patients. |
| 65 |
Beyazal
et al., 2016
97
|
Turkey |
Retrospective cohort study (n=116) |
To assess whether serum OPG levels are associated with arterial stiffness and cIMT in RA patients. |
OPG levels were higher in RA patients than controls (p < 0.001) and were significantly associated with cIMT. |
OPG may be a useful marker to assess CV risk in RA patients. |
| 66 |
Esaily
et al., 2021
98
|
Egypt |
Case–control study (n=200) |
To examine the relationship between the cellular communication network factor 1 (CCN1) and RA-induced atherosclerosis. |
CCN1 was positively correlated with cIMT in RA patients (p<0.001). |
Disruptions in serum CCN1 levels are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in RA patients. |
| 67 |
Mulumba
et al., 2019
99
|
Democratic Republic of Congo |
Cross-sectional study (n=75) |
To describe the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in RA patients. |
Risk factors associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in RA patients included being a woman aged >55 years (p=0.028), DAS28-ESR >2.6 (p=0.044), severe RA (p=0.035) and obesity (p=0.026). |
Subclinical atherosclerosis is highly prevalent in RA patients. |
| 68 |
Elshereef
et al., 2015
100
|
Egypt |
Retrospective study (n=152) |
To evaluate prevalence of atherosclerosis in RA patients and correlate it with disease activity. |
31.3% of asymptomatic RA patients had atherosclerosis compared with 5% control subjects (p=0.003). |
Long-term RA patients have a high frequency of subclinical atherosclerosis. |
| 69 |
Ristić
et al., 2015
101
|
Serbia |
Cross-sectional study (n=74) |
To determine whether von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in RA patients. |
vWF activity was higher in RA patients with subclinical atherosclerosis (p<0.05) or atherosclerotic plaques (p<0.05). |
vWF is a valuable biomarker to determine premature atherosclerosis in RA patients. |
| 70 |
Södergren
et al., 2015
102
|
Sweden |
Prospective study (n=71) |
To assess whether the level of Lp-PLA2 is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. |
Lp-PLA2 was significantly associated with IMT at T0 and T5 and flow mediated dilation (FMD) (p<0.05). |
Lp-PLA2 is associated with both subclinical atherosclerosis and disease severity in RA patients. |
| 71 |
Mena-Vázquez
et al., 2020
103
|
Spain |
Observational study (n=80) |
To analyze association of postprandial lipidemia with subclinical atherosclerosis in RA. |
In RA patients, cIMT was associated with postprandial ApoB48 (OR (95% CI), 1.15 (1.0-1.3)) and total ApoB (OR [95% CI], 1.12 [1.1–1.2]). |
Atherogenic particles such as ApoB48 are associated with endothelial dysfunction in RA patients. |
| 72 |
Södergren
et al., 2010
104
|
Sweden |
Prospective study (n=123) |
To assess the presence of premature atherosclerosis in patients with very early RA. |
RA patients had a significantly increased IMT and higher levels of VWF, sICAM-1 (p<0.05), and MCP-1 (p=0.001) compared with controls. |
IMT and FMD are related to biomarkers associated with endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in RA patients. |
| 73 |
Barbara
et al., 2018
105
|
Brazil |
Prospective study (n=180) |
To investigate the association of serum MBL levels and its association with IMT in RA patients. |
RA patients had a significantly lower MBL serum concentration in relation to controls (528 ng/mL
versus 937.5 ng/mL, p= 0.05, respectively). |
RA patients had lower MBL serum levels than controls. MBL was not associated with disease activity, ESR, autoantibodies, or IMT. |
