FABP4 and S100A12, a notable link between inflammatory mediators and cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Background: 50% of the deaths of RA patients are due to cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation plays an important role in its pathogenesis. FABP4 and S100A12 are involved as inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of CVD. For the first time, in a recent study, we evaluated the association between FABP4 and S100A12 plasma concentrations with cardiovascular risk factors in RA patients. Material and methods: 60 patients with RA (30 newly diagnosed and 30 under treatment) and 30 healthy individuals participated in this study with their personal consent. FABP4 and S100A12 plasma concentrations were measured by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method. Using ADVIA 1800 Clinical Chemistry System based on latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric, HS-CRP concentration was calculated. Results: The FABP4 plasma concentration was significantly elevated in the newly diagnosed and under-treatment RA patients compared to healthy subjects (P <0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively). The plasma levels of S100A12 were remarkably higher in the new case compared to the control groups (P =0.001).There was a significantly positive association between the FABP4 and S100A12 with NT-proBNP(r =0.493, P < 0.001; r =0.445, P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: FABP4 and S100A12 correlate with cardiovascular biomarkers in RA patients.