Telmisartan alone or in combination with etanercept improves anemia associated with rheumatoid arthritis in rats: a possible role of anti-inflammatory and reno-protective effects

Background There are conflicting data regarding angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) induced anemia and its beneficial anti-inflammatory effect in rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of telmisartan administration either alone or in combination with etanercept on anemia of chronic inflammatory diseases in a model of rheumatoid arthritis in rats.