Immunometabolic role of leptin and adiponectin in atherosclerosis: relationships with cardiovascular complications in rheumatic diseases.

Patients with rheumatic diseases have an increased risk of mortality by cardiovascular events. In fact, several rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and ankylosing spondylitis are associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Although, traditional cardiovascular risk factors have been involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases in rheumatic patients, these alterations do not explain completely the enhanced cardiovascular risk in this population. Obesity and its pathologic alteration of fat mass and dysfunction, due to an altered pattern of secretion of pro-inflammatory adipokines, could be one of the links between cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases. Indeed, the incidence of CVDs is augmented in obese individuals with rheumatic disorders. Thus, in this review we explore in detail the relationships among leptin and adiponectin with rheumatic diseases and cardiovascular complications by giving to the reader a holistic vision and several suggestions for future perspectives and potential clinical implications.