The effect of different anti-inflammatory treatment strategies on process of atherosclerosis in ankylosing spondylitis patients

Abstract

Objectives Our aim in this study was to examine the effects of different anti-inflammatory treatment strategies on the process of atherosclerosis, which is an important cause of mortality in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, by examining the possible effect of treatments on inflammation, lipid profile and oxidative stress parameters in patients with AS. Methods In this study, 32 healthy volunteers served as the control group in addition to a total of 76 AS patients who were divided into two groups according to whether they were receiving anti-TNF medications or not. We assessed the levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid profile parameters, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), non-HDL cholesterol levels, BASDAI, and BASFI scores were also calculated. Results AS patient groups and the control group had similar lipid profile parameters, thiol-disulfide homeostasis metrics, non-HDL cholesterol, oxLDL, and AIP levels (p>0.05). In contrast to AS patients receiving non-anti-TNF treatment, the BASDAI and BASFI scores, ESR, and CRP levels were lower in AS patients receiving anti-TNF treatment (p<0.05). In contrast to the controls, AS patients demonstrated high TOS and OSI values (p<0.05). Conclusions AS patients face increased oxidative stress that does not correlate with inflammatory status and disease activation level. Anti-TNF alpha treatment may reduce some risk factors of atherosclerotic CVD in AS patients.