Molecular insights into the relationship between sustained CRP elevation and endothelial dysfunction in axial spondyloarthritis.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the impact of sustained C reactive protein (CRP) elevation on cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, particularly endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods: 245 axSpA patients were enrolled. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and microvascular endothelial function (post-ischaemic reactive hyperaemia) were measured. Retrospective CRP measurements from the past 5 years classified patients as having sustained high CRP if >50% of readings were elevated. Serum levels of 184 inflammation and CV disease-related proteins were analysed using a proximity extension assay, and in vitro studies were conducted in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Results: 40% of axSpA patients had sustained CRP elevation, showing increased metabolic comorbidities, higher prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques and worse microvascular endothelial function compared with those with intermittent CRP elevations. Proteomic analysis identified 10 altered proteins, with interleukin 6 (IL-6) and CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP-1) linked to endothelial dysfunction, higher CIMT and metabolic disturbances. Paraoxonase 3 (PON-3), the only downregulated protein, showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiatherogenic properties, restoring endothelial function in vitro. CDCP-1 was associated with atherosclerotic plaques and promoted endothelial adhesion, oxidative stress and inflammation in vitro. Anti-TNF-α therapy reduced inflammatory markers, complement components and the atherogenic index, while increasing high density lipoprotein, apolipoprotein A and PON-3 levels and decreasing IL-6 and CDCP-1 levels.

Conclusions: Sustained CRP elevation in axSpA is strongly linked to increased CV risk, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. IL-6, CDCP-1 and PON-3 emerge as key mediators connecting inflammation to CV risk. Anti-tumour necrosis factor-α therapy improved the metabolic and inflammatory profile and modulated IL-6, CDCP-1 and PON-3 levels, supporting its role in managing CV risks in axSpA.