Inhibition of interleukin-1β signalling promotes atherosclerotic lesion remodelling in mice with inflammatory arthritis

Abstract

Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory joint disorder, independently increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). IL-1β contributes to both RA and CVD. We hypothesised that inhibiting IL-1 signalling with the IL-1R antagonist, anakinra, would dampen inflammation and promote resolution of atherosclerosis in arthritic mice. Methods: Low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr)-deficient mice were fed a Western-type diet for 14 weeks to develop atherosclerotic plaques. Mice were then switched to a chow diet, promoting lesion regression, and randomised to a control group or into groups where arthritis was induced by passive transfer of K/BxN arthritogenic serum. The arthritic m..