Research Progress Of DMARD In Prevention Of Atherosclerosis In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are enough data show that patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA) were more likely and early to have coronary heart disease(CHD). RA may be independent risk factors of CHD. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with RA[1]. The atherosclerosis is the main cardiovascular disease in the patients with RA. Atherosclerosis in patients with RA is mainly associated with inflammatory factors, abnormal lipid spectrum, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, thrombosis and endothelial dysfunction, circulating immune complexes and other factors[2]. A large number of clinical studies show that early application disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug(DMARD) can not only delay the joint deformation, but also slow the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce cardiovascular risk[3,4]. So, DMARD including hydroxychloroquine(HCQ), methotrexate(MTX), sulfasalazine(SSZ)and leflunomide(LEF),not only can improve the condition of rheumatoid arthritis, but also play a more positive role in anti atherosclerosis. Now, we review the current mechanism of these drugs on preventing the atherosclerosis in the patients with RA.