Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

Arterial stiffness is increased with chronic inflammatory disorders. The reduction of inflammation by immunomodulatory therapy is associated with a restoration of arterial function. I have recently reported for the first time that arterial stiffness is increased in subjects with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In another work, I have also reported that the increased arterial stiffness detected in IBD subjects is dependent upon inflammation and reduced by anti-TNF-alpha therapy. Subsequently, in an invited review I have discussed on the causes of arterial stiffening in IBD subjects. Consecutively, in an editorial I have discussed on the IBD paradox (subjects with IBD have an increased cardiovascular risk despite the low burden of classic cardiovascular risk factors) and suggested that inflammation may explain the difference between expected and observed risk in IBD. Finally, I have recently published a systematic review and meta-analysis that has confirmed the results of my previous works.

Biography

Email: zanoli.rastelli@gmail.com