Galectin-9 expression correlates with therapeutic effect in rheumatoid arthritis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is an immunomodulatory factor with high expression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Understanding Gal-9's role in RA pathogenesis and treatment response is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Gal-9 expression in RA patients.
• To correlate Gal-9 levels with disease activity and therapeutic response to tacrolimus (TAC).

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of active RA patients treated with TAC for 12 weeks.
• Measurement of Gal-9 expression in T cell subsets and plasma at baseline and week 12.
• Assessment of clinical and immunological parameters, including disease activity scores.

Main Results:

• RA disease activity decreased after TAC treatment.
• Higher baseline Gal-9 expression was observed in severe RA cases.
• Gal-9 expression in T cells and plasma decreased post-treatment.
• Good responders exhibited lower Gal-9 levels compared to poor responders.

Conclusions:

• Gal-9 expression positively correlates with RA disease activity.
• Gal-9 serves as a potential biomarker for assessing RA activity and TAC therapeutic efficacy.