Authors: Douglas, Karen MJ; Sattar, Naveed; Kitas, George D

Source: Future Rheumatology, Volume 1, Number 2, April 2006 , pp. 259-274(16)

Publisher: Future Medicine

Abstract:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease characterized by joint inflammation and subsequent destruction. RA is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There are many possible reasons for this, which include lipid abnormalities, inflammation and possibly insulin resistance, all of which are risk factors for atherosclerosis in the general population. During the last decade, the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, or statins, have had a substantial impact on improving cardiovascular outcomes primarily via low-density lipoprotein-lowering, although pleiotropic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties may also be relevant. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists, fibrates and thiazolidediones also affect lipid homeostasis, improve insulin resistance and may have anti-inflammatory effects by controlling cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In this review the authors discuss the potential applications of statins and PPAR agonists in RA, in the context of the modification of both cardiovascular risk and joint disease.

Keywords: atherosclerosis; cardiovascular disease; dyslipidemia; inflammation; insulin resistance; metabolic syndrome; PPAR; rheumatoid arthritis; statin

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/17460816.1.2.259

Affiliations: 1: Russells Hall Hospital, Cardiovascular Co-morbidity Research Group, Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 2HQ, UK., Email: Karen.Douglas@dgoh.nhs.uk

Publication date: 2006-04-01

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• Future Rheumatology provides analysis and commentary on our understanding of disease mechanisms, emerging therapeutic strategies and new diagnostic approaches. Key advances in the field are reported and analyzed by international experts, providing an authoritative but accessible forum for this expanding area of specialization.
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