The pathogenic process underlying atherosclerosis resembles a chronic inflammatory response in which oxidative stress is involved. Similarly, oxidative stress is widely recognized to play an important role in the clinical course and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA has been associated with accelerated atherosclerosis.
This cross-sectional study will include patients with RA. The primary objective is to evaluate the association between selected oxidative stress biomarkers-serum malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase-and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis and carotid arterial stiffness in patients with RA. We will subsequently assess whether these molecules are related to cardiovascular disease determinants, including inflammatory dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and beta-cell dysfunction, which may occur in this condition. This study will further explore the relationship between oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease in RA.