Evaluation of Serum Eta Protein, Sclerostin, and Calcitonin Level in Arthritis Patients on Vitamin D Therapy

Abstract

Background: Arthritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the diarthrodial joints. A joint's bone, cartilage, and structural design all preserve its integrity, and arthritis alters that integrity, resulting in joint activity loss and discomfort. The primary symptom of arthritis is joint pain, although other symptoms include stiffness, inflammation, and impaired joint motor function. Methods: The cross-sectional study comprised 90 subjects: 70 arthritis sufferers and 20 controls, ages 25-60, both sexes. From September 2023 to March 2024, patients were referred to Kirkuk city in Azadi hospital and Kirkuk general hospital. The research participants were placed into three groups: Group 1 for arthritic patients without Vit D (35). Patients with arthritis who received vitamin D for at least two months (G2), n (35), were the second group. The third group comprised healthy individuals without arthritis n (20). Result: Significant (P<0.05) increase in ETA protein levels in G1 and G2 compared to G3. G1 had ETA protein levels of 28.05±5.34 ng/L, G2 had 24.10±3.67 ng/L, and G3 had 8.92±2.80 ng/L. Sclerostin levels peaked in G1 (0.4273±0.3023 pg/mL) and declined in G2 (P<0.05) compared to G3. Calcitonin levels were higher in G1 (34.72±4.72 pg/mL) and G2 (27.06±5.85 pg/mL) than G3 (14.71±3.71 pg/mL) at (P<0.05). Conclusion: The study found a rise in ETA protein and calcitonin levels in arthritic patients before and after therapy with vitamin D, which was not influenced by vitamin supplementation. Sclerostin levels increase in arthritic patients and decrease following therapy with vitamin D.