Correlation between 14-3-3η protein and Muskelosketal ultrasound in early rheumatoid arthritis patients.

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.

14-3-3η protein is associated with disease activity and osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

“…On the other hand, Dammona et al [26] found that although serum 14-3-3η protein level was significantly higher in RA than controls and serum 14-3-3η protein was significantly correlated with serum RF and anti-CCP, the protein did not show significant correlations parameters of disease activity including ESR, CRP, DAS28 or musculoskeletal ultrasound parameters. The discrepancy between the findings of that study and ours can be attributed to the lower sample size and type of RA patients enrolled in that study (that study enrolled 30 patients with early RA).…”