Is inflammatory bowel disease a risk factor for early atherosclerosis?
OBJECTIVE
Chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with an accelerated atherosclerotic process. Recent studies have discussed whether inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) can predict early atherosclerosis. We investigated this possibility.


METHODS
The study consisted of IBD cases (group 1, n = 40) and healthy persons (group 2, n = 40). The IBD group was selected so as not to have vascular disease or the presence of established major cardiovascular risk factors.


RESULTS
Group 1 cases showed a significant increase in carotid intima media thickness (cIMT; P = .01). Carotid artery stiffness was impaired in group 1 (P = .03) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and homocysteine (Hyc) were higher in group 1 patients (P = .02, P = .03, P = .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Inflammatory bowel disease patients have an increased risk of early atherosclerosis as shown by greater values of cIMT, carotid artery stiffness, Hyc, hsCRP, and insulin resistance.
Dagli
Necati
N
Department of Cardiology, First University, Medical School, Elaziğ, Turkey. mustafanecati46@hotmail.com
Poyrazoglu
Orhan K
OK
Dagli
A Ferda
AF
Sahbaz
Fatih
F
Karaca
Ilgin
I
Kobat
M Ali
MA
Bahcecioglu
Ibrahim H
IH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015897:Comorbidity; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D007333:Insulin Resistance / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography; D055815:Young Adult
D006710:Homocysteine; D002097:C-Reactive Protein