Low physical activity is associated with proinflammatory high-density lipoprotein and increased subclinical atherosclerosis in women with systemic lupus erythematosus

A prescription for exercise in systemic lupus erythematosus

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have increased cardiovascular risk, and fatigue is a major subjective complaint. Sedentary lifestyle has been shown to have negative health impacts in cardiovascular and rheumatic disease, though exercise has not traditionally been incorporated into routine therapy recommendations. Regular exercise in SLE may improve difficult to treat Type 2 symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, stress, and quality of life. Insufficient counseling on exercise by physicians is a notable barrier for SLE patients to engage in physical activity. Aerobic exercise regimens are more commonly studied, and have been shown to improve cardiovascular health in SLE. Exercise may improve some inflammatory markers, though does not definitively affect SLE clinical disease activity. Physical activity should be recommended to improve quality of life and cardiovascular health in patients with SLE. Developing clearer guidelines for exercise regimens in a patient-centered manner is warranted, especially given diverse phenotypes of SLE patients and varying degrees of physical limitations.

Understanding Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Toward Better Treatment and Prevention

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) carries a significant risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The prevalence of premature CVD is especially noteworthy because it occurs in premenopausal women with SLE who would otherwise have very low rates of CVD. While traditional risk factors likely play a role in development of CVD in the setting of SLE, they do not fully explain the excess risk. The pathogenesis of CVD in SLE is not fully understood, but the inflammatory nature of SLE is believed to be a key factor in accelerating atherosclerosis. Systemic inflammation may lead to an abnormal lipid profile with elevated triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Additionally, the inflammatory milieu of SLE plasma promotes endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury, early steps in the progression of atherosclerotic CVD. Despite the overall headway that has been achieved in treating lupus, innovative therapeutics specifically targeting the progression of atherosclerosis within the lupus population are currently lacking. However, there have been advancements in the development of promising modalities for diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis and detection of high CVD risk patients. Due to the significant impact of CVD on morbidity and mortality, research addressing prevention and treatment of CVD in SLE needs to be prioritized. This review explores the intricate interplay of SLE-specific properties that contribute to atherosclerosis and CVD within this population, as well as screening methods and possible therapies.

Benefits and promotion of physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this article is to describe the benefits of physical activity and exercise on rheumatoid arthritis disease activity, functioning, and symptoms; and offer recommendations for promotion of physical activity and exercise among people with rheumatoid arthritis.

RECENT FINDINGS

In addition to well-known benefits of exercise such as improving cardiovascular health and metabolic syndrome and reducing obesity, exercise has consistently shown rheumatoid arthritis-specific benefits. Exercise and increases in physical activity improve clinically measured disease activity, reduce symptoms such as fatigue and pain, and improve function and mental health. In spite of these benefits, most people with rheumatoid arthritis are inactive. Patient barriers to engaging in physical activity may include fears of joint damage, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and lack of understanding that physical activity improves the symptoms that may be barriers. However, the greatest barrier to healthy levels of physical activity among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis appears to be the lack of direction from healthcare providers.

SUMMARY

Exercise is safe and highly beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Because receiving recommendations from healthcare providers may be the factor most strongly associated with engaging in physical activity or exercise, providers are encouraged to give patients positive messages about the benefits of physical activity and the extremely low risks of harm.

Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and their associations with cardiovascular risk in systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective

Using a novel isotemporal substitution paradigm, this study aimed to estimate the cross-sectional associations of objectively measured sedentary behaviour and physical activity (PA) with cardiovascular risk factors among patients with SLE.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of adult SLE patients without documented cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiovascular risk factors were measured, including BMI, blood pressure, fasting glucose and lipid profile. Ten-year CVD risk was estimated using the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association risk assessment tool. Time in sedentary behaviour, light PA, and moderate–vigorous PA (MVPA) was measured by accelerometry. We used three linear regression models—single-activity models, partition models, and isotemporal substitution models—to evaluate the associations of time spent at each movement intensity with each CVD risk variable.

Results

There were 100 SLE patients [92% female; mean (s.d.) age 52.4 (14.4) years]. Only 11 participants adhered to current PA recommendations (⩾150 MVPA min/week in ⩾10-min bouts). In isotemporal substitution, reallocating 10 min from sedentary behaviour to MVPA was associated with lower systolic (β = –2.15 mmHg; P = 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (β = –1.56 mmHg; P = 0.01), as well as lower estimated 10-year CVD risk (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70, 0.93). Time reallocation from light PA to MVPA was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure (β = –1.45 mmHg; P = 0.01) and lower 10-year CVD risk estimates (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69, 0.94).

Conclusion

Given that reallocating time from other movement intensities to MVPA is associated favourably with lower cardiovascular risk, PA interventions are needed to address suboptimal MVPA levels among SLE patients.

Kinesiophobia and related factors in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Background/aim

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between kinesiophobia and the level of physical activity, depression, disease activity, fatigue, pain, and quality of life in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Materials and methods

Seventy volunteer female patients were included in the study. Kinesiophobia, physical activity level, disease activity, fatigue, depression, pain, and quality of life were assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Form (IPAQ), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), McGill Pain Questionnaire- Short Form (MPQ-SF) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), respectively.

Results

Two-thirds of the patients in the study had a high degree of kinesiophobia. Although there was a significant correlation between kinesiophobia and depression and some subscales of quality of life (sleep, social isolation, emotional reactions) (P < 0.05), no significant correlation with other parameters was found.

Conclusion

As a result of this study, the majority of SLE patients included in the study were identified as having high levels of kinesiophobia. Patients’ fear and avoidance reaction from movement can be influenced by psychosocial factors. Treatments focusing on kinesiophobia of SLE patients could be beneficial in increasing the success of rehabilitation.

Effects of physical activity counselling in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Low physical activity is common in systemic lupus erythematosus populations.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of physical activity counselling on physical activity and the association between physical activity changes and changes in fatigue, quality of sleep, and quality of life in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

METHODS

A randomized, controlled, single-blind trial was conducted from March 2015 to August 2016. Seventy-six women with systemic lupus erythematosus were randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups. The intervention group received three sessions of physical activity counselling at 1, 4, and 8 weeks and three telephone follow-ups over 13 weeks. Outcome measures, which include daily steps, fatigue, quality of sleep, and the quality of life, were collected at baseline and 8 and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The study showed that daily steps, quality of sleep, and vitality in the intervention group were significantly improved compared with those in the control group at weeks 8 and 12. Mental health was significantly improved only at week 8 in the counselling group. A positive correlation between physical activity changes and changes in vitality and mental health was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity counselling can improve physical activity. As physical activity increases, systemic lupus erythematosus women feel more energetic and happier.

Self-Reported Physical Activity Is Associated with Lupus Nephritis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Data from KORean Lupus Network (KORNET) Registry

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to identify the associations among physical activity, disease activity, and organ damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 415 patients with SLE were consecutively enrolled from the KORean lupus Network (KORNET) registry. This registry assessed clinical features, disease activity [Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K)], and organ damage [Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) Damage Index (SDI)] upon enrollment in the study. Self-reported physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A significant difference in vigorous activity was noted between patients with lupus nephritis (LN) (n=93) and those without LN (n=322) (p=0.012), but not in moderate and walking activities. In contrast, no differences in physical activity, walking, moderate, and vigorous intensity, according to SLEDAI-2K and SDI were found. In addition to younger age (p=0.032), high physical component summary of SF-36 (p=0.004) and SLEDAI-2K (p=0.038), and less vigorous physical activity were associated with LN (p=0.024). However, cardiovascular disease was not associated with physical activity in SLE patients.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that patients with LN had less vigorous physical activity than patients without LN. The results suggest that lupus nephritis might be associated with physical activity.

Association of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time with arterial stiffness in women with systemic lupus erythematosus with mild disease activity

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association of objectively measured physical activity (PA) intensity levels and sedentary time with arterial stiffness in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with mild disease activity and to analyze whether participants meeting the international PA guidelines have lower arterial stiffness than those not meeting the PA guidelines.

METHODS

The study comprised 47 women with SLE (average age 41.2 [standard deviation 13.9]) years, with clinical and treatment stability during the 6 months prior to the study. PA intensity levels and sedentary time were objectively measured with triaxial accelerometry. Arterial stiffness was assessed through pulse wave velocity, evaluated by Mobil-O-Graph® 24h pulse wave analysis monitor.

RESULTS

The average time in moderate to vigorous PA in bouts of ≥10 consecutive minutes was 135.1±151.8 minutes per week. There was no association of PA intensity levels and sedentary time with arterial stiffness, either in crude analyses or after adjusting for potential confounders. Participants who met the international PA guidelines did not show lower pulse wave velocity than those not meeting them (b = -0.169; 95% CI: -0.480 to 0.143; P = 0.280).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that PA intensity levels and sedentary time are not associated with arterial stiffness in patients with SLE. Further analyses revealed that patients with SLE meeting international PA guidelines did not present lower arterial stiffness than those not meeting the PA guidelines. Future prospective research is needed to better understand the association of PA and sedentary time with arterial stiffness in patients with SLE.

Physical activity and sedentary behavior in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) who did not met the WHO recommendations for physical activity and to evaluate the amount of time spent in sedentary behavior.

Methods

SLE patients were consecutively enrolled in a cross sectional study. The type and the time spent in physical activity and sedentary behavior were evaluated using the IPAQ short form questionnaire. The adequate physical activity was defined according to the 2010 WHO recommendations for health and the sedentary behavior according to the 2017 SBRN consensus. We also assessed quality of life using SF-36, mood disorders using BDI and HAM-H, fatigue using Facit-Fatigue and sleep disorders using PSQI scores.

Results

Physical activity was not sufficient to meet WHO recommendations in 56 of 93 SLE patients (60%). SLE patients spent a median (95% range) of 180 (0–600) minutes everyday in sedentary activities. The length of daily sedentary time was more than 6 hours in 25% of SLE patients. In multivariable analysis, the factors associated to the probability of not meeting WHO criteria was only the time of exposure to antimalarials (OR 0.88, p 0.03) and the factors related to the probability of being in the upper tertile of sedentary time (more than 270 minutes) were age (OR 1.04, p 0.02), disease activity expressed by SELENA-SLEDAI score (OR 1.2, p 0.01) and Facit-fatigue score (OR 0.94, p 0.04).

Conclusion

A relevant proportion of SLE patients were inadequately physically active. It is essential to improve the awareness of the importance of increase physical activity and reduce sedentary time. A better control of disease activity and fatigue and a prolonged use of antimalarials could help to reach this notable goal.

Physical activity and sedentary behavior in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). As sedentary behavior and lack of physical activity are known cardiovascular risk factors, we compared habitual activity between SLE patients, RA patients, and healthy control participants.

Patients and methods

For this cross-sectional study, RA and SLE patients were recruited from rheumatology clinics at an academic medical center from April 2013 to December 2014. Healthy control participants were recruited through local advertising during the same time period. Habitual activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer worn during waking hours for 7 consecutive days. Minutes per day of sedentary, light, and moderate–vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were recorded and compared between SLE, RA, and healthy participants using ANOVA.

Results

There were 59 participants included in the analysis: 20 SLE patients, 19 RA patients, and 20 healthy controls. Disease activity was quiescent in both the SLE and RA groups. All three groups demonstrated high sedentary behavior (mean ± SD sedentary time for all participants: 10.1±1.3 hours/day; 76.4% total wear time). There were no significant differences between SLE, RA, and healthy participants in time spent in sedentary behavior (p=0.80) or light activity (p=0.17). Total MVPA (mean ± SD, minutes/day) was significantly lower in SLE (34.5±22.7; p<0.001) and RA (41.5±21.3; p=0.005) patients compared to controls (64.9±22.4).

Conclusion

SLE and RA patients demonstrate suboptimal MVPA despite well-controlled disease. Given their increased CVD risk, effective interventions are required to improve habitual physical activity levels in both populations.

Cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus: A comprehensive update

Heightened rates of both cardiovascular (CV) events and subclinical atherosclerosis, documented by imaging and vascular function techniques are well established in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While traditional CV factors such as smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, central obesity and hyperhomocysteinemia have been reported to be prevalent in lupus patients, they do not fully explain the high rates of ischemic events so far reported, implying that other factors inherent to disease itself could account for the enhanced risk, including disease duration, activity and chronicity, psychosocial factors, medications, genetic variants and altered immunological mechanisms. Though the exact pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in the setting of lupus remains ill defined, an imbalance between endothelial damage and atheroprotection seems to be a central event. Insults leading to endothelial damage in the setting of lupus include oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL), autoantibodies against endothelial cells and phospholipids, type I interferons (IFN) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) directly or through activation of type I IFN pathway. Increased oxidative stress, reduced levels of the normally antioxidant high density lipoprotein (HDL), increased levels of proinflammatory HDL (piHDL) and reduced paraoxonase activity have been related to increased oxLDL levels. On the other hand, impaired atheroprotective mechanisms in lupus include decreased capacity of endothelial repair-partly mediated by type I IFN- and dampened production of atheroprotective autoantibodies. In the present review, traditional and disease related risk factors for CV disease (CVD) in the setting of chronic autoimmune disorders with special focus on SLE will be discussed.

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior: Overlooked risk factors in autoimmune rheumatic diseases?

This review aims to (1) summarize the estimates of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior in autoimmune rheumatic diseases; (2) describe the relationship between physical (in)activity levels and disease-related outcomes; (3) contextualize the estimates and impact of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior in autoimmune diseases compared to other rheumatic diseases and chronic conditions; and (4) discuss scientific perspectives around this theme and potential clinical interventions to attenuate these preventable risk factors. We compiled evidence to show that estimates of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior in autoimmune rheumatic diseases are generally comparable to other rheumatic diseases as well as to other chronic conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity), in which a lack of physical activity and excess of sedentary behavior are well-known predictors of morbimortality. In addition, we also showed evidence that both physical inactivity and sedentary behavior may be associated with poor health-related outcomes (e.g., worse disease symptoms and low functionality) in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Thus, putting into practice interventions to make the patients "sit less and move more", particularly light-intensity activities and/or breaking-up sedentary time, is a simple and prudent therapeutic approach to minimize physical inactivity and sedentary behavior, which are overlooked yet modifiable risk factors in the field of autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

Exercise and physical activity in systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review with meta-analyses

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associates with enhanced cardiovascular (CV) risk frequently unexplained by traditional risk factors. Physical inactivity, common in SLE, likely contributes to the burden of CV risk and may also be a factor in co-morbid chronic fatigue. This systematic review evaluates whether exercise has a deleterious effect on disease activity in SLE, and explores effects on CV function and risk factors, physical fitness and function and health-related measures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review, with meta-analyses, was conducted; quasi-randomised and randomised controlled trials in SLE comparing at least one exercise group to controls were included. MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, PEDro, AMED, CINAHL, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and relevant conference abstracts were searched. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to pool extracted data as mean differences. Heterogeneity was evaluated with χ² test and I², with p < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS

The search identified 3068 records, and 31 full-texts were assessed for eligibility. Eleven studies, including 469 participants, were included. Overall risk of bias of these studies was unclear. Exercise interventions were reported to be safe, while adverse effects were rare. Meta-analyses suggest that exercise does not adversely affect disease activity, positively influences depression, improves cardiorespiratory capacity and reduces fatigue, compared to controls. Exercise programmes had no significant effects on CV risk factors compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Therapeutic exercise programmes appear safe, and do not adversely affect disease activity. Fatigue, depression and physical fitness were improved following exercise-based interventions. A multimodal approach may be suggested, however the optimal exercise protocol remains unclear.

Is frailty a relevant concept in SLE?

Objective

In geriatric populations, frailty is associated with poor health outcomes, including mortality. Frailty has not been examined in lupus, although components of the phenotype seem relevant.

Methods

Women with lupus (n=152) participated in research visits in 2008–2009. Frailty was assessed by Fried's frailty phenotype criteria: low weight/unintentional weight loss, slow gait (4-m walk using sex and height criteria), weakness (grip strength using gender and body mass index criteria), exhaustion (2 specific questions) and inactivity (from physical activity questionnaire). Women accumulating 3+ components were classified as ‘frail’, one or two components as ‘prefrail’, and none as ‘robust’. Physical function (36-item Short Form (SF-36) Physical Functioning subscale and Valued Life Activities disability scale), cognitive function (from a 12-test battery) and mortality were examined as outcomes. Mortality was determined as of December 2015. Multiple regression analyses examined concurrent and 2-year function controlling for age, lupus duration, race/ethnicity, glucocorticoid use, obesity, self-reported disease activity and damage and, for longitudinal analyses, baseline function. Mortality analyses controlled for age, lupus duration and baseline disease damage scores.

Results

Mean age was 48 (±12) years, mean lupus duration was 16 (±9) years. 20% of the sample was classified as frail and 50% as prefrail. Frail women had significantly worse physical functioning than both robust and prefrail women and were more likely to have cognitive impairment. Frail women were also more likely to experience declines in functioning and onset of cognitive impairment. Mortality rates were significantly higher in the frail group (frail 19.4%; prefrail 3.9%; robust 2.3%). Odds (95% CI) of death for frail women were elevated, even after adjusting for age, lupus duration and baseline disease damage (5.9 (0.6 to 57.1)).

Conclusions

Prevalence of frailty in this sample of women with lupus was higher than in samples of older adults. Frailty was associated with poor physical and cognitive function, functional declines and mortality.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in cardiovascular disease: effect of exercise training

Decreases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), whereas increased HDL-C levels are related to a decreased risk of CAD and myocardial infarction. Although HDL prevents the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein under normal conditions, it triggers a structural change, inhibiting antiarteriosclerotic and anti-inflammatory functions, under pathological conditions such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and diabetes. HDL can transform into various structures based on the quantitative reduction and deformation of apolipoprotein A1 and is the primary cause of increased levels of dysfunctional HDL, which can lead to an increased risk of CAD. Therefore, analyzing the structure and components of HDL rather than HDL-C after the application of an exercise training program may be useful for understanding the effects of HDL.

Why are kids with lupus at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease?

Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an aggressive multisystem autoimmune disease. Despite improvements in outcomes for adult patients, children with SLE continue to have a lower life expectancy than adults with SLE, with more aggressive disease, a higher incidence of lupus nephritis and there is an emerging awareness of their increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this review, we discuss the evidence for an increased risk of CVD in SLE, its pathogenesis, and the clinical approach to its management.

[Clinical practice guidelines for systemic lupus erythematosus: Recommendations for general clinical management]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex rheumatic multisystemic disease of autoimmune origin with significant potential morbidity and mortality. It is one of the most common autoimmune diseases with an estimated prevalence of 20-150 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The clinical spectrum of SLE is wide and variable both in clinical manifestations and severity. This prompted the Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality to promote and fund the development of a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the clinical care of SLE patients within the Programme of CPG in the National Health System which coordinates GuiaSalud. This CPG is is intended as the reference tool in the Spanish National Health System in order to support the comprehensive clinical management of people with SLE by all health professionals involved, regardless of specialty and level of care, helping to standardize and improve the quality of clinical decisions in our context in order to improve the health outcomes of the people affected. The purpose of this document is to present and discuss the rationale of the recommendations on the general management of SLE, specifically, clinical follow-up, general therapeutic approach, healthy lifestyles, photoprotection, and training programmes for patients. These recommendations are based on the best available scientific evidence, on discussion and the consensus of expert groups.

Effects of a one-year physical activity programme for women with systemic lupus erythematosus - a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVES

To study the effects of a one-year physical activity programme on aerobic capacity, physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by a randomized control design.

METHODS

Thirty-five women with low or moderate disease activity and organ damage were randomized to intervention (I) or control (C) group. The intervention during months 0-3 consisted of education, supervised aerobic exercise at high intensity and individual coaching, as well as self-managed physical activity at low-to-moderate intensity. During months 4-12, the physical activity was self-managed and the coaching was successively reduced over time. Outcome measures included: maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) from a bicycle ergometer test, self-reported physical activity and HRQL (SF-36).

RESULTS

VO2 at sub-max. and max. increased, independent of group, during the one-year study period (main effect of time p < 0.0001). VO2 max. increased between baseline and month 3 (p < 0.0001), between months 3 and 6 (p = 0.01) and the increase was sustained at month 12 (ns). Frequency of physical activity at high intensity also increased, independent of group, during the study period. It was increased at months 3, 6 and 12 compared to baseline (p = 0.02, p < 0.001, p = 0.03). Improvement in mental health between baseline and month 6 (p = 0.002) was seen for the I-group, not the C-group (p = 0.03). Disease activity and organ damage did not change.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical activity and aerobic capacity increased after supervised exercise and coaching, and the improvement was sustained during the one-year programme. However, no interactions between the group differences were seen, which suggests that repeated measurements could motivate to increased physical activity and thereby to increased aerobic capacity. As sub-max. VO2 increased over time, training-induced changes in VO2 on-kinetics could be another explanation. Little influence on HRQL was seen after the programme. The study indicates that physical activity at high intensity over one year is tolerated by patients with mild to moderate SLE.

Self-reported and objectively measured physical activity in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

Most estimates of physical activity (PA) patterns in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are based on subjective self-report measures prone to error. The aims of this study were to obtain objective measurements of PA using an accelerometer and estimates of energy expenditure based on the self-reported International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and to describe their relationship.

METHODS

The Activity in Lupus To Energize and Renew study, a cross-sectional study of PA, included 129 persons with SLE. Accelerometer measures >7 days included total daily activity counts and minutes of moderate-vigorous PA (MVPA). Each person completed the IPAQ via telephone interview. Spearman's correlations (r) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) assessed associations between accelerometer and IPAQ.

RESULTS

Daily PA means and SDs from accelerometer measures were 502,910 ± 118,755 for total daily activity counts and 40 ± 30 minutes for MVPA. The median (interquartile range) MET minutes/day for IPAQ intensities were: 400 (159-693) for total; 83 (26-184) for walking; and 231 (77-514) for MVPA, and domains were: 0 (0-73) for work; 28 (0-85) for active transportation; 77 (26-231) for domestic and garden; and 57 (0-213) for leisure. Associations between accelerometer measures and IPAQ were 1) total daily count versus IPAQ total: r = 0.21 (95% CI 0.03, 0.37) and 2) MVPA versus IPAQ moderate-vigorous: r = 0.16 (95% CI - 230.02, 0.33).

CONCLUSION

Accelerometer measures and IPAQ energy expenditure estimates were moderately correlated. IPAQ provided descriptive PA data, whereas accelerometers captured all daily activities, which can help assess guideline attainment. The choice of IPAQ versus accelerometer measure should include considering the purpose for which PA is measured.

A high throughput biochemical fluorometric method for measuring lipid peroxidation in HDL

Current cell-based assays for determining the functional properties of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) have limitations. We report here the development of a new, robust fluorometric cell-free biochemical assay that measures HDL lipid peroxidation (HDLox) based on the oxidation of the fluorochrome Amplex Red. HDLox correlated with previously validated cell-based (r = 0.47, p<0.001) and cell-free assays (r = 0.46, p<0.001). HDLox distinguished dysfunctional HDL in established animal models of atherosclerosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients. Using an immunoaffinity method for capturing HDL, we demonstrate the utility of this novel assay for measuring HDLox in a high throughput format. Furthermore, HDLox correlated significantly with measures of cardiovascular diseases including carotid intima media thickness (r = 0.35, p<0.01) and subendocardial viability ratio (r = -0.21, p = 0.05) and physiological parameters such as metabolic and anthropometric parameters (p<0.05). In conclusion, we report the development of a new fluorometric method that offers a reproducible and rapid means for determining HDL function/quality that is suitable for high throughput implementation.

[Atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus]

CONTEXT

Evidence from epidemiological studies demonstrates that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk for the development of cardiovascular disease. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors' play an important role in this phenomenon but do not account for the entire risk in lupus patients.

OBJECTIVES

The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular events and infraclinical atherosclerosis are reviewed. Combinations of traditional risk factors with lupus-specific and treatment-related variables are detailed.

RESULTS

Atherosclerosis is more prevalent and occurs prematurely in lupus patients. Relative risk of myocardial infarction is between 5 to 8 times greater that of general population, and may exceed 50 in women between 35 and 44 years old. SLE was also found as an independent risk factor for subclinical atherosclerosis, and more than one third of lupus patient show evidence of carotid plaques of coronary artery calcifications. Lupus patients have more frequent traditional risk factors compared with general population of similar age and sex. Besides the traditional risk factors, SLE specific risk factors have been identified among witch advanced age at diagnosis, current disease activity, duration of the disease and renal activity. Moreover, lipid abnormalities in patients with SLE are common and likely are one of the major causes of premature atherosclerosis in these patients; the dyslipoprotein associated increased triglycerides and depressed HDL-cholesterol with proinflammatory HDL production. Autoimmunity may have a part of responsibility, but data's in favour of this hypothesis are not strong. Other mechanisms such as vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, immune complexes and complement activation may also elicit endothelial damage and promote atherosclerosis are associated with the pathogenesis of both SLE and atherosclerosis. Steroids may have a true double-edged role with a pro-atherogenic risk regarding the exacerbation of metabolic risk factors and a "beneficial" anti-inflammatory role. It is becoming increasingly apparent that antimalarials treatment in SLE has an atheroprotective and a cardioprotective effect. The other immunosuppressive drugs may reduce progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events but their precise role remains to be elucidated. Despite their role in primary prevention in target general population, for now, systematic prescription of statins does not show a great benefit in the cardiovascular risk in lupus patients.

CONCLUSION

Mechanisms of atherosclerosis in SLE remain elusive. It is partially explained by the interaction of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, lupus-specific factors and therapy specially corticosteroids. Management strategies of lupus should include early all those items.

Untrained young men have dysfunctional HDL compared with strength-trained men irrespective of body weight status

We examined the impact of strength fitness and body weight on the redox properties of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and associations with indices of vascular and metabolic health. Ninety young men were categorized into three groups: 1) overweight untrained (OU; n = 30; BMI 30.7 ± 2.1 kg/m(2)); 2) overweight trained [OT; n = 30; BMI 29.0 ± 1.9; ≥4 d/wk resistance training (RT)]; and 3) lean trained (LT; n = 30; BMI 23.7 ± 1.4; ≥4 d/wk RT). Using a novel assay on the basis of the HDL-mediated rate of oxidation of dihydrorhodamine (DOR), we determined the functional (redox) properties of HDL and examined correlations between DOR and indices of vascular and metabolic health in the cohort. DOR was significantly lower in both trained groups compared with the untrained group (LT, 1.04 ± 0.49; OT, 1.39 ± 0.57; OU, 1.80 ± 0.74; LT vs. OU P < 0.00001; OT vs. OU P = 0.02), however, DOR in the OT group was not significantly different from that of the LT group. DOR was negatively associated with HDL-cholesterol (R = -0.64), relative strength (R = -0.42), sex hormone-binding globulin (R = -0.42), and testosterone (R = -0.35) (all P ≤ 0.001); whereas DOR was positively associated with triglycerides (R = 0.39, P = 0.002), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (R = 0.32), body mass index (R = 0.43), total mass (R = 0.35), total fat mass (R = 0.42), waist circumference (R = 0.45), and trunk fat mass (R = 0.42) (all P ≤ 0.001). Chronic RT is associated with improved HDL redox activity. This may contribute to the beneficial effects of RT on reducing cardiovascular disease risk, irrespective of body weight status.

Cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic autoimmune rheumatic disorders: a suggested model of preventive strategy

The pathogenesis of accelerated cardiovascular damage commonly characterizing patients affected by systemic chronic inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic disorders is quite complex and still not fully clarified. However, it is well accepted that a strong relationship between multiple factors, including both traditional cardiovascular risk factors and disease-related inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms, may in part explain the precocious atherosclerotic vessel damage and the increased incidence of cardiovascular events. Nevertheless, although several recent studies focused their attention on the investigation of these complex mechanisms, data regarding possible preventive strategies aimed to reduce long-term cardiovascular risk in these subjects are still lacking and not conclusive. In this setting, the early introduction of evidence-based preventive measures for the correct management of patients with systemic autoimmune disorders would be of extreme importance to reduce subclinical atherosclerosis incidence and possible major cardiovascular events.

A pilot study of office-based spirometry in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Background: Although pulmonary involvement is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), its effects on healthy lifestyle physical activity and its association with fatigue have not been well characterized. The goals of this study were to describe pulmonary function measured by office-based spirometry in patients with SLE and to compare spirometry with physical activity and systemic fatigue. Methods: During an office visit, 49 patients with SLE completed spirometry assessing: a) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1, a measure of airway patency and responsiveness); b) forced vital capacity (FVC, a measure of lung volume); and c) maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV, a measure of volume of air moved during rapid breathing) which has been hypothesized to be decreased in SLE due to muscle fatigue. Patients also performed a 2-min corridor walking test and completed self-reported questionnaires measuring weekly physical activity and systemic fatigue. Results: Mean age was 45 years, 45 (92%) were women, mean SLEDAI and SLICC scores were 2.8 and 1.0, respectively. Some 24 patients had a smoking history, and 15 had a history of SLE-related pleuritis, which was not active at enrollment. FEV1 and FVC were 96% of predicted, but MVV was only 55% of predicted. The distance walked during the corridor test was similar to that of patients with other chronic diseases; however, self-reported physical activity was less than recommended by national guidelines. There were no associations between spirometry values and history of pleuritis, other pulmonary diagnoses, or smoking ( p > .10 for all comparisons), however, better FEV1 ( p =  .04) and better FVC ( p =  .04) were associated with more self-reported activity and better FEV1 ( p =  .03) was associated with longer distance walked during the corridor test. Most patients reported marked systemic fatigue; however, there were no associations between spirometry values and fatigue scores ( p > .10 for all comparisons). Conclusions: MVV was markedly diminished, which supports the hypothesis that SLE may be associated with respiratory muscle fatigue during rapid breathing. MVV was not associated with mild-to-moderate patient-directed physical activity; however, lower FEV1 and FVC were associated with less self-reported and performance-based physical activity.

Fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease often characterized by fatigue, with significant effects on physical functioning and wellbeing. The definition, prevalence and factors associated with fatigue, including physical activity, obesity, sleep, depression, anxiety, mood, cognitive dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, pain, effects of medications and comorbidities, as well as potential therapeutic options of fatigue in the systemic lupus erythematosus population are reviewed. Due to variability in the reliability and validity of various fatigue measures used in clinical studies, clinical trial data have been challenging to interpret. Further investigation into the relationships between these risk factors and fatigue, and improved measures of fatigue, may lead to an improvement in the management of this chronic inflammatory disease.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and cardiac risk factors: medical record documentation and patient adherence

This study explores patients' knowledge of cardiac risk factors (CRFs), analyses how information and advice about CRFs are documented in clinical practice, and assesses patient adherence to received instructions to decrease CRFs. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with ≥ 4 ACR criteria participated through completing a validated cardiovascular health questionnaire (CHQ). Kappa statistics were used to compare medical records with the self-reported CHQ (agreement) and to evaluate adherence. Two hundred and eleven (72%) of the known patients with SLE participated. The mean age of the patients was 55 years. More than 70% of the SLE patients considered hypertension, obesity, smoking and hypercholesterolaemia to be very important CRFs. The agreement between medical record documentation and patients' reports was moderate for hypertension, overweight and hypercholesterolaemia (kappa 0.42-0.60) but substantial for diabetes (kappa 0.66). Patients' self-reported adherence to advice they had received regarding medication was substantial to perfect (kappa 0.65-1.0). For lifestyle changes in patients with hypertension and overweight, adherence was only fair to moderate (kappa 0.13-0.47). Swedish SLE patients' awareness of traditional CRFs was good in this study. However, the agreement between patients' self-reports and medical record documentation of CRF profiles, and patients' adherence to medical advice to CRF profiles, could be improved.

High plasma leptin levels confer increased risk of atherosclerosis in women with systemic lupus erythematosus, and are associated with inflammatory oxidised lipids

Background

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk of atherosclerosis, even after accounting for traditional risk factors. High levels of leptin and low levels of adiponectin are associated with both atherosclerosis and immunomodulatory functions in the general population.

Objective

To examine the association between these adipokines and subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE, and also with other known inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis.

Methods

Carotid ultrasonography was performed in 250 women with SLE and 122 controls. Plasma leptin and adiponectin levels were measured. Lipoprotein a (Lp(a)), oxidised phospholipids on apoB100 (OxPL/apoB100), paraoxonase, apoA-1 and inflammatory high-density lipoprotein (HDL) function were also assessed.

Results

Leptin levels were significantly higher in patients with SLE than in controls (23.7±28.0 vs 13.3±12.9 ng/ml, p<0.001). Leptin was also higher in the 43 patients with SLE with plaque than without plaque (36.4±32.3 vs 20.9±26.4 ng/ml, p=0.002). After multivariate analysis, the only significant factors associated with plaque in SLE were leptin levels in the highest quartile (≥29.5 ng/ml) (OR=2.8, p=0.03), proinflammatory HDL (piHDL) (OR=12.8, p<0.001), age (OR=1.1, p<0.001), tobacco use (OR=7.7, p=0.03) and hypertension (OR=3.0, p=0.01). Adiponectin levels were not significantly associated with plaque in our cohort. A significant correlation between leptin and piHDL function (p<0.001), Lp(a) (p=0.01) and OxPL/apoB100 (p=0.02) was also present.

Conclusions

High leptin levels greatly increase the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE, and are also associated with an increase in inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis such as piHDL, Lp(a) and OxPL/apoB100. High leptin levels may help to identify patients with SLE at risk of atherosclerosis.

Vascular effects of exercise: endothelial adaptations beyond active muscle beds

Endothelial adaptations to exercise training are not exclusively conferred within the active muscle beds. Herein, we summarize key studies that have evaluated the impact of chronic exercise on the endothelium of vasculatures perfusing nonworking skeletal muscle, brain, viscera, and skin, concluding with discussion of potential mechanisms driving these endothelial adaptations.

Decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of dyslipoproteinemia in a homogeneous cohort of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients.

METHODS

Based on the National Cholesterol Education Program, fasting lipoprotein levels and risk levels for coronary artery disease were determined in 28 patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The exclusion criteria included diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, smoking, proteinuria, lipid-lowering drugs, and hormone/diuretic therapy. Disease activity, disease duration, and therapy with corticosteroids and/or chloroquine were defined at the time of lipid measurements.

RESULTS

Dyslipoproteinemia was identified in 20 of the 28 (71%) patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The primary lipoprotein risk factor was decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (57%), followed by elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (18%), triglycerides (14%), and total cholesterol (7%). The male patients had decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than the female patients (p<0.05). The incidence of decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels did not seem to be affected by disease activity or therapy because the incidence was similar in patients with active or inactive disease, with or without corticosteroid use and with or without chloroquine use. In addition, the frequency of decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels was similar in patients with short (≤5 years) vs. long (>5 years) disease duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Dyslipoproteinemia is highly prevalent in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and is primarily related to decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels; therefore, early intervention is essential.

Perceptions and measurements of physical activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Promoting physical activity should be a priority for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) because a sedentary lifestyle compounds patients’ already disproportionately high risk for cardiovascular events and other adverse health outcomes. The objectives of this pilot study were to assess physical activity in 50 patients with SLE and to compare activity levels with clinical and psychosocial variables, such as fatigue, depressive symptoms, and social support and stress. Patients were asked open-ended questions about physical activity, and responses were coded according to Grounded Theory. Patients then completed the Paffenbarger Physical Activity and Exercise Index, a survey of lifestyle energy expenditure reported in kilocalories/week, performed a 2-minute walk test according to a standard protocol, and completed questionnaires measuring fatigue, depressive symptoms and social support and stress. Most patients (92%) were women, had a mean age of 45 years, and did not have extensive SLE. In response to open-ended questions, patients reported they avoided physical activity because they did not want to exacerbate SLE in the short term. However, if they could overcome initial hurdles, 46 patients (92%) thought physical activity ultimately would improve SLE symptoms. Walking was the preferred activity and 45 (90%) thought they could walk more. According to the Paffenbarger Index, mean energy expenditure was 1466 ± 1366 kilocalories/week and mean time spent in moderate-intensity activity was 132 ± 222 min/week. In total, 18 patients (36%) and 14 patients (28%) met physical activity goals for these values, respectively. Mean distance walked during the 2-minute test was 149 ± 28 m, equivalent to two blocks, which is similar to reports for stable patients with other chronic diseases. Patients with more social stress and more fatigue reported less physical activity. We conclude that the proportion of patients meeting physical activity goals was low; however, patients performed well on a standard walking test. Most patients believed physical activity provided long-term benefits for SLE and that they could be more physically active.

The role and effect of complementary and alternative medicine in systemic lupus erythematosus

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially those with active disease who often have poorer quality of life and significant unmet needs. It is important for the rheumatologist to be aware of these therapies and to ask the patient with SLE about their active use or future interest in CAM. Future studies on the effectiveness of the aforementioned therapies will be crucial to find better ways for the rheumatologist to integrate their use into the care of the patient with SLE.

[Inflammation-related cardiovascular morbidity : Pathophysiology and therapy]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are associated with increased mortality, largely as a consequence of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Studies found relative risk ratios of 2 for myocardial infarction in RA and up to 7 for myocardial infarction in SLE patients.Beyond the traditional CV risk factors, chronic systemic inflammation has been shown to be a crucial factor in atherosclerosis development and progression from endothelial dysfunction to plaque rupture and thrombosis. Numerous studies have shown that atherosclerosis is not a passive process characterized by accumulation of lipids in the vessel walls, but rather represents active inflammation of the vasculature. Inflammatory cells such as macrophages, monocytes and T cells play an important role in the development of both RA and atherosclerosis.According to the recently published EULAR recommendations for CV risk screening and management in patients with inflammatory arthritis, annual CV risk assessment is recommended for all patients with RA. Any CV risk factors identified should be optimally managed. In addition to appropriate CV risk management, aggressive suppression of the inflammatory process is recommended to further lower CV risk.