Cross link between monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and rheumatoid arthritis activity and progression

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, and symmetrical peripheral polyarthritis often associated with extra-articular manifestations, that end in marked functional impairment. Chemokines, such as monocyte chemotactic protein-1, are not only potential therapeutic targets but also play a crucial role in leukocyte migration within chronic inflammatory diseases. This migration contributes to synovitis and ultimately plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate monocyte chemotactic factor-1 serum levels and its association with RA disease activity score 28. This cross-sectional study included 306 patients aged 18–80 years. Clinical arthritic activity was assessed using swollen joint count, tender joint count, and disease activity score 28, while monocyte chemotactic protein-1, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or C-reactive protein were used as laboratory biomarkers. Results The mean age of the patients was 53.7 ± 13.6 years, with a female predominance (191/306, 63%). Monocyte chemotactic protein-1correlated with clinical and radiographic parameters of disease activity & progression, whereas C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate correlated with all clinical parameters except tender joint count. Disease activity score 28 monocyte chemotactic protein-1 showed a significant correlation with Disease Activity Score 28 C-reactive protein (r = 0.678) and Disease Activity Score 28 erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.311) after one year. Disease activity score 28 monocyte chemotactic protein-1 showed a highly significant association with predictive progression (AUC = 0.926). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that Disease Activity Score 28 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 may serve as reliable clinical indicators to assess rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and monitor its progression.