Shared Pathways Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systems Biology Approach

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton, with patients exhibiting a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)1. This review explores the shared pathways between AS and CVD through a systems biology approach, integrating multi-omics data to uncover common molecular mechanisms such as inflammation, immune dysregulation, and metabolic disturbances2. Key findings highlight the role of endothelial dysfunction, genetic factors such as HLA-B27, and environmental influences such as gut microbiota in linking these conditions [3]. Systems biology tools, including network analysis and pathway enrichment, reveal potential therapeutic targets like TNF-α inhibitors and statins for dual disease management4. The study underscores the need for further experimental validation to translate these insights into clinical applications, offering new avenues for risk assessment and personalized treatment strategies5.