RvT4: A Promising Treatment for Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Monday - February 5 2024, 17:45 UTC - 9 months ago

A study by Queen Mary University of London suggests that the molecule RvT4 can enhance the body's defenses against atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It was found to improve macrophage function and reduce blood vessel inflammation, potentially paving the way for a new treatment pathway for those with RA.

A new study by scientists from Queen Mary University of London has revealed that the molecule RvT4 can enhance the body's natural defenses against atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study, funded by the European Research Council and Barts Charity, shows promising results for a potential new treatment pathway for those with RA.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects approximately 1% of the UK population. Every year, around 10,000 people are diagnosed with RA, and they are twice as likely as others to develop blood vessel disease. This increased risk is attributed to atherosclerosis, a type of blood vessel disease caused by a build-up of plaque in the artery walls. As a result, those with RA have a higher risk of serious complications and premature death.

To better understand the causes of blood vessel disease in patients with RA, researchers focused on a group of molecules called 13-series resolvins (RvTs). In experimental arthritis, they found that levels of one of these molecules, RvT4, were significantly reduced, leading to increased blood vessel disease. This prompted them to explore why this might be the case.

The study found that treating mice with RvT4 reduced blood vessel inflammation by re-programming macrophages, a type of white blood cell that accumulates in diseased vessels. The macrophages were found to have a high level of stored lipids, which were preventing them from carrying out their usual function of clearing dead cells and reducing inflammation. Once freed of their lipid burden, the macrophages were able to work more effectively to reduce the causes of atherosclerosis.

In understanding the potential benefits of RvT4, researchers also noted its effects on metabolic dysfunction in RA patients. RvT4 was found to improve lipid handling in macrophages by reducing cellular stress and controlling lipid breakdown. This discovery suggests that RvT4 may play a crucial role in preventing blood vessel disease in those with RA, and could potentially be a promising new treatment pathway for this group of patients.

In conclusion, the study by Queen Mary University of London has shown that RvT4 can improve macrophage function and reduce blood vessel inflammation in those with rheumatoid arthritis. With further development and research, RvT4 may prove to be an essential piece of the puzzle in preventing and treating atherosclerosis in patients with RA.