RAGE Gly82→Ser Polymorphism and Cardiovascular Events in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Carroll Lisa, Frazer Ian H, Turner Malcolm, Marwick Thomas H, Thomas Ranjeny
Primary Institution: Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology and Metabolic Medicine, University of Queensland
Hypothesis
Is the RAGE Gly82→Ser polymorphism associated with cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis?
Conclusion
The RAGE Ser82 allele does not predispose to cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis, but statin use and shorter disease duration are significant risk factors.
Supporting Evidence
- 20% of patients carried the RAGE Ser82 allele.
- More than 20% of the cohort had suffered a vascular event.
- A history of statin use was found to be protective against cardiovascular events.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether a specific gene change in people with rheumatoid arthritis affects their heart health. It found that this gene change doesn't increase heart problems, but using statins helps reduce the risk.
Methodology
The study examined cardiovascular events, risk factors, and RAGE Gly82→Ser polymorphism in 232 rheumatoid arthritis patients using questionnaires, chart reviews, and laboratory analyses.
Limitations
The study was limited by examining only RA patients without matched non-RA controls and inflammatory markers were assessed at a single time point.
Participant Demographics
94% Caucasian, with a mean age of 61.8 years and a mean RA duration of 15 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.01
Confidence Interval
0.19–0.65
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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