Pathobiochemical Mechanisms Relating Iron Homeostasis to Parameters of Inflammatory Activity and Autoimmune Disorders...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Hematology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease.
• Iron homeostasis is often disrupted in RA, impacting disease activity and progression.
• Understanding the interplay between iron metabolism, inflammation, and autoimmunity in RA is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlations between iron homeostasis parameters, inflammatory markers, and autoimmune indicators in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
• To identify key biomarkers for assessing iron status and disease activity in RA.

Main Methods:

• The study included 114 RA patients and 42 healthy controls.
• Measurements included serum iron, TIBC, ferritin, sTfR, CRP, IL-6, prohepcidin, RF, anti-CCP antibodies, and DAS 28.
• Statistical analyses were performed to determine correlations between these parameters.

Main Results:

• RA patients exhibited higher sTfR, CRP, IL-6, and prohepcidin levels, and lower serum iron compared to controls.
• sTfR positively correlated with inflammatory markers (IL-6, prohepcidin) and autoimmune parameters (DAS 28, RF, antiCCP) in RA.
• Prohepcidin showed positive correlations with inflammation (CRP, ESR) and autoimmune markers (DAS 28, RF) in RA patients.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous measurement of sTfR and prohepcidin is highly informative for evaluating iron homeostasis alterations in RA.
• Increased sTfR and prohepcidin suggest inflammation-induced tissue iron deficiency in RA.
• These findings highlight the utility of sTfR and prohepcidin as biomarkers in RA management.