No abstract

Background: Despite recent advances in treatment, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains a significant cause of morbidity and premature mortality. 14-3-3η protein was found at higher levels of serum and synovial fluid of patients with arthritis. Aim of work: to assess serum levels of 14-3-3η protein in early rheumatoid arthritis and correlate it with the disease activity and ultrasound findings. Patient and Methods: Thirty naïve patients with early RA were subjected for thorough clinical examination, labratory investigations including 14-3-3η protein and musculoskeletal Ultrasonography of both hands. 20 healthy persons matched for age and sex were selected as the control group. Results: Their mean age was 38.2 ± 10.11years, with mean disease activity (4.4 ± 0.74). Mean ESR, CRP and anti-CCP was (40.0 ± 17.75), (18.6 ± 11.78) and (73.5 ± 81.86) respectively. Serum 14-3-3η protein level for patients was (344.8 ± 121.9) ng\ml while for the control group it was (38.4 ± 15.) ng\ml with a significant statistical difference between both groups (p < 0.05). Serum 14-3-3η protein showed significant positive correlation with RF and Anti-CCP (r = 0.36 and 0.52 respectively) while no significant correlation was found with ESR, CRP, or DA28, (r = 0.04, 0.08 and 0.02 respectively). Also, we didn't find a significant correlation between serum 14-3-3η protein and musculoskeletal ultrasound parameters. Conclusion: The Serum level of 14-3-3η protein may not be associated with structural damage in RA while it may be positively correlated to RF and Anti-CCP in early rheumatoid arthritis.