Serum Level of Endothelial Cell-Specific Molecule -1 (ESM -1) as a New Potential Biomarker for Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity

Abstract

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by destruction of the joint cartilage and bone. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) in RA may be related to disease activity. Our objective is to explore serum levels of endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM-1) as a biomarker for RA disease activity.Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out and included 83 adult patients with RA, in addition to 20 healthy subjects (age and sex-matched) as a control group. Based on Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS-28), the patient's group was subdivided into four subgroups(remission, mild, moderate and severe disease activity state). The demographic & clinical data, BMI, DAS-28 and Serological assessment [Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), CRP, Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anti-Citrullinated Peptide Antibody (ACPA)] were recorded. ESM-1was assayed for all participants.Results:Serum levels of ESM1 were significantly higher in the patient group than the control group (P< 0.0001). ESM-1 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with severe disease activity subgroup compared with patients with remission and mild disease activity subgroups (P< 0.0001). ESM-1 was positively and significantly correlated with DAS-28 score, The Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and modified Larsen score (P= 0.002, 0.0001 & 0.0001 respectively).Conclusion:ESM-1 could be a biomarker for RA disease activity.

Endocan as an Early Predictor of Endothelial Dysfunction and Atherosclerosis in Egyptian Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

“…In agreement with our results Abdelsalam et al [23] found that endocan levels were higher in patients with RA than healthy controls and significantly higher in patients with severe disease activity, Tuzcu et al [24] also reported that endocan serum values of the RA patient group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P = 0.009), Balta et al [25] found that serum endocan levels in Behçet's patients are higher than those in controls and higher in patients with increased disease activity. Icli et al [21] and Ozalper et al [26], showed that endocan levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and familial Mediterranean fever respectively were higher compared with their controls.…”

“…Our results coincided with those of Abdelsalam et al [23] who found serum endocan levels positively correlated with disease activity (DAS-28), HAQ-DI, ESR, CRP modified Larsen score, and RF levels. Another study reported the same results in JIA but failed to report correlation with the severity of inflammation [27].…”