Doaa Abdel Aziz
Egypt
Research Article
Joint Destruction and Osteoporosis are Associated with Upregulation of IL-34 and Cathepsin k Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Clinical Trial with Anti TNF α Therapy
Author(s): Nayera Saber, Mary Atef and Doaa Abdel AzizNayera Saber, Mary Atef and Doaa Abdel Aziz
Background: Previous studies demonstrated that significant association was found between IL-34 synovial tissue expression and synovitis severity in RA. Furthermore the overexpression of cathepsin K in RA synovia proves that this protease may become a new and highly specific biomarker for RA. Objective: To find out whether serum levels of IL-34 and Cathepsin-K vary in patients with longstanding RA treated with biologic therapy versus early RA patients treated with conventional DMARDS. Also to estimate any association between their baseline serum levels and disease activity, subsequent joint destruction and osteoporosis. Methods: This study included forty one RA patients, 21 as a patient group who started treatment with anti TNFα therapy. Group of controls included 20 RA patients who were treated with DMARDs. Full clinical and laboratory assessment as well as radiological by Van D.. View More»
