Article Text
Abstract
Objectives To compare the modifications in lipid profiles among patients with RA receiving anti-TNF-α agents – one Etanercept biomimics plus disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) versus DMARDs, explore the relationship between dyslipidemia, inflammation in RA patients.
Methods 100 newly diagnosed RA patients were randomly divided into biological agent treatment group and non-biological agent treatment group, each group included 50 patients. At baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks, levels of lipids, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was calculated, antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT)were studied at baseline and 24 weeks. Statistical analyses are performed with SPSS software version 19.0.
Results Baseline values for lipid levels were similar in both groups. Pearson correlation test was carried out and found that CIMT and ESR, CRP, AIP were positively correlated, and HDL, Apo-Al were negatively correlated at baseline. At 12 weeks and 24 weeks in the biological agent treatment group, the levels of HDL, Apo-Al were increased and levels of Lpa, AIP were decreased when compared to the baseline, and at 24 weeks, CIMT was decreased compared to the baseline. At 24 weeks in the non-biological agents treatment group, the level of HDL was increased, levels of LDL, Lpa, CIMT, AIP were all decreased compared to the baseline. At 12 weeks in the biological agent treatment group, the levels of AIP, Lpa were lower than non-biological agent group, levels of TC, HDL, Apo-Al were higher than non-biological agent group, and at 24 weeks in the biological agent treatment group, the levels of Apo-B, Lpa were lower than non-biological agent group, level of LDL, Apo-Al were higher than non-biological agent group (all P<0.05).
Conclusions (1) Inflammatory status may affect the lipid profiles and the endothelial function and is associated with the atherosclerosis. (2) The Etanercept biomimics and DMARDs both can improve lipid profiles, and the protective effect of the Etanercept biomimics on cardiovascular complications is superior to traditional DMARDs, but the medication's effect lasts shorter lengths of time, therefore further studies and large samples are needed in the future.
Disclosure of Interest None declared