Serum interleukin-2 levels associate with disease activity and cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors' conclusion
Circulating IL-2 levels are independently and positively associated with both disease activity and cardiovascular risk in patients with RA.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Participants
- 216 patients
- Outcome
- Association between serum IL-2 concentrations and RA-related characteristics, including cardiovascular comorbidities
Methodological detailsmultivariable linear regression, Serum IL-2 measured by Simoa (Single Molecule Array); carotid US for arterial stiffness, intima-media thickness and plaques; CV risk by SCORE2
- Multivariable linear regression
- Serum IL-2 measured by Simoa (Single Molecule Array); carotid US for arterial stiffness, intima-media thickness and plaques; CV risk by SCORE2
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- After multivariable adjustment, IL-2 independently and positively associated with disease activity
- RF- and ACPA-positive patients had significantly higher IL-2 levels than seronegative individuals
- IL-2 positively related to pancreatic beta-cell function
- Circulating IL-2 significantly associated with increased CV risk (SCORE2)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Serum interleukin-2 levels associate with disease activity and cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Rheumatol. Published 3 February 2026. doi:10.
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