Anti-TNFα agents curb platelet activation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Cardiovascular disease is important in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Tissue factor (TF) is expressed upon platelet activation and initiates coagulation. Anti-tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) agents seem to decrease RA-associated cardiovascular events.

The Authors investigated whether (1) TNFα activates human platelets and (2) TNFα pharmacological blockade modulates the platelet-leucocyte reciprocal activation in RA.

Reference

Manfredi AA, Baldini M, Camera M, Baldissera E, Brambilla M, Peretti G, Maseri A, Rovere-Querini P, Tremoli E, Sabbadini MG, Maugeri N. Anti-TNFα agents curb platelet activation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2016 Jan 27. pii: annrheumdis-2015-208442. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-208442. [Epub ahead of print]. Go to PubMed abstract