Soluble interleukin-33 receptor (sST-2): a novel marker for assessing cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease, and it significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The evaluation of cardiovascular risk (CVR) is crucial in these patients, but it may be underestimated using the current criteria, as they do not include nontraditional CVR factors. Soluble ST-2, which is the circulating form of the IL-33 receptor, has been identified as a biomarker for cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases. In this study, we examined the role of sST-2 in assessing CVR in RA.

METHODS

Monocentric, retrospective, observational trial. Inclusion of RA patients on variable DMARD therapy. Analysis of RA disease using established scores (DAS 28, VAS, HFQ), clinical findings (number of swollen and painful joints), and laboratory investigation. Documentation of numerous CVR variables. Quantification of soluble sST-2 by ELISA.

RESULTS

In total, 129 individuals were included. Soluble sST-2 did neither correlate nor was associated with any variable of RA disease activity. In contrast, significant associations were identified between sST-2 and a number of established CVR markers.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicates a novel role for sST-2 in CVR prediction in RA.