RESEARCH THEMES
Epidemiology of the Rheumatic Diseases, Biomarkers and Outcomes Research, Clinical Trials; Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Comorbidities of the Autoimmune Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases, including Periodontal Disease, Accelerated Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular Disease, and Bone Loss
RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Dr de Pablo’s clinical research is in the epidemiology and outcomes of rheumatic diseases, with a focus on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus. Particular interests include the modifiable risk factors, predisposing conditions, as well as the comorbidities of RA and the systemic impact of the burden of chronic inflammation.
Previous work includes a meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials showing that there is a critical period during which anti-rheumatic therapy should be initiated, a therapeutic window of opportunity early in the course of RA, associated with sustained benefit on disease progression and structural damage.
Previous epidemiologic investigations on novel and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease in RA showed that individuals with RA have higher inflammatory markers associated with cardiovascular disease and lower antioxidant levels.
Our group also showed in a large epidemiologic study that systemic inflammation has an impact on bone loss.
In recent work, our group has studied associations between periodontal disease, a common chronic inflammatory disease, and RA and lupus. We have reported a distinct antibody reactivity against both citrullinated and uncitrullinated peptides in individuals with periodontal disease, which may predispose to RA. We are currently conducting a clinical trial on the effect of periodontal therapy on outcomes of RA (OPERA trial).