Abstract

Aim: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and is associated with atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. Despite the established use of anti-TNF-α antagonists in IBD treatment, the impact of these drugs on lipid profiles remains unclear, with conflicting evidence in the literature. Our study aims to asses the effect of anti-TNF treatment on lipid profile in pateints with IBD.
Materials and Methods: Lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and the atherogenic index, were measured in 103 patients (66 patients with CD, 37 with UC) at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks of TNF-α inhibitor treatment, and results were compared between the groups.
Results: The results reveal no significant change in total cholesterol levels over the course of 24 weeks (p=0.349). However, a noteworthy increase in HDL levels was observed from baseline to 24 weeks (p=0.016). There were no significant alterations in LDL and triglyceride levels over 24 weeks. The atherogenic index demonstrated no significant changes over the treatment period (p=0.462).
Conclusion: Anti-TNF-α therapy, either with infliximab or adalimumab, among IBD patients does not lead to a considerable alteration in lipid profiles after 3 and 6 months of treatment, with the exception of a significant increase in HDL.

Key words: inflammatory bowel disease; tumor necrosis factor- alpha; dyslipidemia; atherosclerosis; chronic inflammation