Serum Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Levels and Aortic Augmentation Index in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis—A Prospective Study

Objective We assessed whether a serum soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product (sRAGE) levels were associated with a progression of carotid atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness indexes in a cohort of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods RA patients with symptoms onset Results Ninety-four patients completed the 1-year study. Fifty-three (56.4%) achieved disease remission [28-joint disease activity score (DAS28 P P r = −0.259, P = 0.023). Changes in sRAGE level were not associated with other demographic, clinical, cardiovascular risk factors or treatment. Using multivariate analysis, the change in sRAGE levels and baseline high-density lipoprotein were independent predictors associated with the change in AIx. Conclusions Arterial stiffness improved significantly in patients with early RA after effective control of inflammation. Increase in sRAGE level was associated with a decrease in AIx, suggesting that sRAGE may play an important role in the ligand–soluble receptor for advanced glycation end product interaction propagated inflammation and vascular stiffness in these patients.