Abstract

Cardiovascular disease dependent on inflammatory accelerated atherosclerosis leads to increased mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition to traditional, Framingham risk factors, several immuno-inflammatory cells, mediators and molecules may link atherosclerosis to arthritis. Among immune cells, primarily TH1 cells, as well as endothelial cells play a crucial role in synovial and vascular inflammation. Various cell surface molecules, such as adhesion receptors, CD40-CD40 ligand or members of the RANK-RANK ligand-osteoprotegerin system, as well as soluble pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, autoantibodies and proteases have been implicated in RA and vascular damage. The early assessment of atherosclerosis and early intervention would decrease cardiovascular risk in RA.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis, biologics, cardiovascular disease, chemokines, cytokines, DMARDs, endothelial cells, proteases, RANK ligand, rheumatoid arthritis.