The pleiotropic effects of statins in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease. Studies over the past two decades suggest that statins have a beneficial impact on the complications associated with RA. These complications include RA disease activity and risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This review aims to discuss the efficacy of statin therapy in RA. Key findings The current evidence suggests that statins' immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties significantly reduce disease activity and inflammatory response in patients with RA. In RA patients, the risk of CVD is reduced by statin treatment, and statin discontinuation is associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk. The combined effect of statins on improving vascular function, lowering lipid levels, and reducing inflammation in RA patients is responsible for the decreased all-cause mortality in statin users. Further clinical studies are needed to ensure the therapeutic efficacy of statins in patients with RA.

Automated summary

This review discusses the efficacy of statin therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Current evidence suggests that statins have immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties, significantly reducing disease activity and inflammatory response in RA patients. Statin treatment also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in RA patients, and discontinuation of statins is associated with an increased CVD risk. The combined effect of statins on improving vascular function, lowering lipid levels, and reducing inflammation is responsible for the decreased all-cause mortality in statin users. Further clinical studies are needed to ensure the therapeutic efficacy of statins in RA patients.