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Infliximab Reduces Inflammation and Fibrinolysis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers in Milan, Italy have conducted an observational study on the effects of infliximab, a TNF-alpha blocking chimeric monoclonal antibody, on inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study found that infliximab not only reduces inflammation but also normalizes fibrinolysis, which is crucial in reducing thrombotic risk in RA patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • Infliximab treatment induced a long-term reduction of inflammation and coagulation in RA patients.
  • The study investigated plasma biomarkers of inflammation and fibrinolysis in 20 RA patients and 40 healthy controls.
  • After 14 weeks of infliximab treatment, levels of PAI-1 antigen, PAI-1 activity, and t-PA antigen significantly decreased and normalized in RA patients.
  • Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were directly correlated with levels of PAI-1 antigen, PAI-1 activity, and t-PA antigen.
  • The study provides evidence that TNF-alpha blockade by infliximab reduces the inhibition of fibrinolysis and may be pivotal in reducing thrombotic risk in RA patients.
  • The researchers concluded that infliximab treatment is beneficial for both inflammation and fibrinolysis in RA patients.

Statistics:

  • 20 RA patients and 40 healthy controls were included in the study.
  • Infliximab was administered at a dose of 3 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 14.
  • PAI-1 antigen levels were significantly higher in RA patients at baseline (p=0.01) and decreased significantly after 14 weeks of infliximab treatment (p=0.0001).
  • PAI-1 activity levels were significantly higher in RA patients at baseline (p=0.001) and decreased significantly after 14 weeks of infliximab treatment (p=0.0001).
  • t-PA antigen levels were significantly higher in RA patients at baseline (p=0.0001) and decreased significantly after 14 weeks of infliximab treatment (p=0.0001).

Sources:

  • Ingegnoli F, Conti F, et al. Anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha therapy normalises fibrinolysis impairment in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, 2010;28(2):254-257.
  • Biotech Week editors. Infliximab Reduces Inflammation and Fibrinolysis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Biotech Week, 2010.

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