Serum low-density lipoprotein and synovial vascularity in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between lipid metabolism and inflammatory activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) remains unclear. This study evaluated whether serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are associated with synovial vascularization measured by quantitative power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) in patients with active RA and PsA.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The single-center study enrolled 60 patients diagnosed with RA and a group of 20 patients with PsA with the clinical presentation resembling RA. Serum LDL-C levels were measured, and disease activity was assessed using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the Simplified Disease Activity Index. Synovial membrane vascularization was quantified using PDUS, and a vascularity index - the PDUS index (INDEX%) - was calculated in the region of interest.

RESULTS

No significant correlation was found between serum LDL-C concentration and INDEX% for both groups (r = 0.2). The majority of patients in both groups (76.2%) had LDL-C levels in the normal range, consistent with the lipid paradox in inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum LDL-C levels were not correlated with INDEX%. These findings suggest that LDL-C levels do not significantly influence synovial membrane vascularization in patients with active RA or PsA.