Nesfatin-1 and visfatin expression is associated with reduced atherosclerotic disease risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Nesfatin is an anti-inflammatory molecule that reduces atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk. By contrast, visfatin has pro-inflammatory properties and is pro-atherogenic. We examined the potential impact of nesfatin and visfatin on atherosclerotic disease in 232 (113 black and 119 white) consecutive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients from 2 centers. Independent relationships of nesfatin and visfatin concentrations with metabolic risk factors, endothelial activation, carotid atherosclerosis and altered plaque stability were determined in multivariable regression models. Rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity was associated with both nesfatin (β = 0.650, p