Autoantibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the relationship between autoantibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL-Abs) and the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Fifty RA patients without evidence of risk factors for atherosclerosis (RA group) and 30 healthy volunteers (normal group) were investigated. The mean intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (mean CCA-IMT) was measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. The titer of IgG oxLDL-Abs was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationships among mean CCA-IMT, IgG oxLDL-Ab titer and patient factors such as body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and serum lipid levels were examined.

Results: Mean CCA-IMT, CRP, ESR and titer of IgG oxLDL-Abs were significantly higher in the RA group than in the normal group. Although mean CCA-IMT showed a positive correlation only with age in multivariate analysis, IgG oxLDL-Ab titers in the RA group were positively associated with mean CCA-IMT and independently with age and sex by multiple regression analysis.

Conclusions: IgG oxLDL-Abs appear to be associated with the degree of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with RA, and are independent of traditional risk factors for atherosclerotic diseases. These results suggest a possible link between autoimmune mechanisms and accelerated atherosclerosis in RA.