Vascular Function and Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis: the Role of Physical Activity

Abstract

Inflammation disturbs biochemical pathways involved in homeostasis of the endothelium. Research has established clear links between inflammatory mediators, particularly C-reactive protein and tumour necrosis factor alpha, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis may be subclinical at early stages, and thus the ability to detect them with non-invasive techniques is crucially important, particularly in populations at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis. This may allow the identification of interventions that may reverse these processes early on. One of the best non-pharmacological interventions that may achieve this is physical activity. This review explores the associations between inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis and discusses the role of exercise in blocking specific pathways in the inflammation, endothelial dysfunction -atherosclerosis network.

Behaviour change interventions to promote physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review

“…Regular physical activity is also associated with decreased depression [10] and improvements in other disease-related characteristics, such as reduced pain, stiffness and inflammation in this population [2,11,12]. Importantly, research has shown that physical activity is safe for people who have RA [13], despite previous concerns that it may have negative consequences, such as increasing joint erosion [14].…”

“…This is of concern given the risk of cardiovascular disease in people who have RA. Promoting physical activity behaviour, with the aim of increasing physical activity participation for this group, is important for improving health outcomes [2,11,12]. Thus, the promotion of physical activity for people who have RA is a key challenge faced by healthcare professionals [18].…”

Estudo de custo-análise do tratamento da artrite reumatoide grave em um município do Sul do Brasil

“…Além da terapêutica física e farmacológica, evidências científicas têm demonstrado, ao longo dos anos, os benefícios da atividade física no tratamento da artrite reumatoide em ambiente clínico, bem como em ambiente doméstico, com supervisão profissional 42,43,44 . Apenas 31 pacientes informaram realizar atividades físicas regularmente.…”

New Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Physical Activity

“…In the short term, intense physical exercise produces a transitory inflammatory response which is reflected in an increase in acute phase reactants and cytokines that is proportional to the amount of exercise and muscle damage. Nevertheless, regular physical activity (training) is associated with a chronic anti-inflammatory response that influences levels of acute phase reactants such as ultra-sensitive CRP and also affects www.intechopen.com lipids and lipoproteins (61)(62)(63)(64). However, Sadepghipour et al in 2010 found no relationship between CRP and physical activity in schoolchildren (65).…”