Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Comorbidity in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
The pathogenic process underlying atherosclerosis resembles a chronic inflammatory response in which oxidative stress is involved. Similarly, oxidative stress is widely recognized to play an important role in the clinical course and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA has been associated with accelerated atherosclerosis. This cross-sectional study will include patients with RA. The primary objective is to evaluate the association between selected oxidative stress biomarkers-serum malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase-and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis and carotid arterial stiffness in patients with RA. We will subsequently assess whether these molecules are related to cardiovascular disease determinants, including inflammatory dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and beta-cell dysfunction, which may occur in this condition. This study will further explore the relationship between oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease in RA.
• Men or women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Age 18 years or older and younger than 70 years.
• Treatment with any disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, including biologic therapies.
• For patients receiving oral corticosteroids, a prednisone dose of 10 mg or less that has remained stable for at least one month before study inclusion.
• Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.