Reversing vascular dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis: improved augmentation index but not endothelial function with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine the hypothesis that improving insulin sensitivity improves vascular function in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We performed a 20-week, single center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Patients with RA (n = 34) with moderate disease activity who were receiving stable disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy were randomized to drug sequence, receiving either pioglitazone 45 mg/day or matching placebo for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period and the alternative treatment for 8 weeks. We measured changes in vascular stiffness (augmentation index and aortic pulse wave velocity [PWV]), endothelial function (reactive hyperemia index), and blood pressure. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and the homeostatic m

SUBMITTER: Ormseth MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4146711 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature