Background Tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), is a pro-apoptotic, multi-functional cytokine.Several studies have suggested that autoimmun diseases, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases were associated with circulating TRAIL concentrations.

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate, whether TRAIL levels were associated with metabolic features in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods We compared the relationship between the serum levels of TRAIL with body mass index, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA, hemoglobin A1C, cholesterol levels in 53 patients with AS, 42 patients with PsA and 53 healthy controls. We also analysed the association ofTRAIL with inflammatory parameters (CRP, ESR, TNF-α)and disease acitivity (BASDAI, BASFI, DAS28-ESR). None of the patients included in this study had diabetes mellitus or CVD.

Results Serum levels of TRAIL were not different in patients with PsA (5,06±3,23 pg/ml), AS (4,36±2,49 pg/ml) and HC (3,85±2,2 pg/ml, p=0,155).Serum TRAIL had a direct and significant correlation with waist circumference (p=0,005), TNF-α (p=0,000) and CRP (p=0,021).When we analysed the results in patients with AS;serum TRAIL levels directly correlated with TNF-α (p=0,003),LDL (p=0,041) and total cholesterol (p=0,026).Serum TRAIL levels were higher in HLAB-27 positive patients than negative patients (p=0,001). TNF-α levels were higher in AS than PsA and healthy controls (p=0,038).TNF-α was inversely associated with BASDAI (p=0,029) and BASFI (p=0,046).

Conclusions Our results showed that, serum TRAIL levels were associated with TNF-α, LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol in patients with AS.Serum TRAIL concentrations were higher in HLAB-27 positive patients.Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying basis, because it seems there is a complex interaction between inflammatory processes and metabolic disorders.

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Disclosure of Interest None declared