Advanced Glycation End Products Levels and Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Introduction: No data regarding the relationship of carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and serum advanced glycation end products (AGEs) levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between IMT and serum pentosidine, CML and MGO levels in patients with longstanding RA.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 80 consecutive RA patients with longstanding disease were included and compared with 30 age and sex-matched healthy controls. IMT was measured using ultrasonography. AGEs such as pentosidine, N^e-carboxymethyllysine (CML) and methylglyoxal (MGO) as an intermediate of glycation, were determined by ELISA.

Results: Serum pentosidine, CML and MGO levels were increased in RA patients vs control subjects (P = 0.001; P < 0.001; P < 0.001 respectively). IMT was increased with disease activity of RA (P = 0.004) and was associated with serum pentosidine (r = 0.460, P < 0.001), serum CML (r = 0.549, P < 0.001) and serum MGO (r = 0.658, P < 0.001). Furthermore, in a multiple stepwise regression analysis CML and MGO were independently associated with IMT (b= 0.333, P = 0.007; b = 0.690, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: serum pentosidine, CML and MGO were increased in RA patients and were significantly related to IMT. Serum CML and MGO were independently associated with IMT.