Changes in serum cholesterol loading capacity are linked to coronary atherosclerosis progression in rheumatoid arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Excess cholesterol loading on arterial macrophages is linked to foam cell formation, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the effect of changes in cholesterol loading on coronary plaque trajectory and the impact of RA therapies on this relationship are unknown. We investigated the association between variations in cholesterol loading capacity (CLC) over time and atherosclerosis progression.

Methods

In a prospective observational cohort study, coronary CT angiography evaluated atherosclerosis (non-calcified, partially calcified or fully calcified plaques and coronary artery calcium (CAC) score) in 100 patients with RA without cardiovascular disease at baseline and 6.9±0.4 years later. The presence of ≥5 plaques and lesions r

SUBMITTER: Karpouzas GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11683967 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature