Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2025
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Inflammation in the Co-occurrence of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: September 20, 2024
Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-1 reflects the cross-sectional activity of microscopic
Taejun Yoon1, Jang Woo Ha2, Jung Yoon Pyo3
1Department of Medical Science, BK21 Plus Project, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Objectives:
We investigated whether soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) reflects cross-sectional activity of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).
Methods:
Forty-seven MPA and 32 GPA patients with well-documented clinical records and stored sera were enrolled. sTREM-1 levels were evaluated using Magnetic Luminex® assay, and disease activity was assessed using Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS). Patients were divided into two groups according to the upper and lower halves of BVAS. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify cut-off for determining upper half of BVAS. Linear and binary logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between sTREM-1 and disease activity and status.
Results:
The median age of patients was 67.0 years, and 58.2 % were women. The median BVAS and sTREM-1 were 12.0 and 467.1 pg/mL. sTREM-1 was significantly correlated with BVAS along with five-factor score, Short-Form 36-Item Health Surveys, and C-reactive protein. In multivariable linear regression analysis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (standardised β 0.241), and sTREM-1 (standardised β 0.288) were correlated with BVAS. ROC analysis revealed that the cut-off of sTREM-1 for the upper half of BVAS was 474.1 pg/mL. MPA and GPA patients with sTREM-1 ≥474.1 pg/mL exhibited a significantly higher risk for the upper half of BVAS than those without (relative risk 5.932). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated sTREM-1 ≥474.1 pg/mL (odds ratio 5.662) was associated with the upper half of BVAS.
Conclusion:
sTREM-1 reflects the activity of MPA and GPA, suggesting its role as a potential biomarker for assessing disease severity.
Insights
Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) effectively reflects disease activity in microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Elevated sTREM-1 levels indicate a higher risk of severe disease in these vasculitis conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) are severe systemic autoimmune diseases.
- Accurate assessment of disease activity is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) as a biomarker for cross-sectional disease activity in MPA and GPA.
- To determine if sTREM-1 levels correlate with established measures of disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Serum sTREM-1 levels were measured in 47 MPA and 32 GPA patients using a Magnetic Luminex® assay.
- Disease activity was quantified using the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS).
- Statistical analyses, including linear and logistic regression and ROC curve analysis, were employed to assess the association between sTREM-1 and disease activity.
Main Results:
- sTREM-1 levels were significantly correlated with BVAS, five-factor score, SF-36, and C-reactive protein.
- Multivariable analysis identified sTREM-1 as an independent predictor of BVAS.
- A sTREM-1 cut-off of 474.1 pg/mL was identified, with levels ≥474.1 pg/mL significantly associated with higher BVAS and increased risk of severe disease.
Conclusions:
- sTREM-1 serves as a valuable biomarker reflecting disease activity in MPA and GPA.
- sTREM-1 has the potential to aid in assessing disease severity and guiding treatment decisions in patients with these conditions.
