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Serum PYCARD may become a new diagnostic marker for rheumatoid arthritis patients
Xue-Li Geng1, Yong-Sen Jiang2, Chun-Nan Zhao2
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, No. 36 of Nanyingzi Street, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, 067000, Hebei, China. gxl12262003@163.com.
Insights
Serum PYCARD, IL-6, and IL-38 show elevated levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Combinations of these markers with anti-CCP offer superior diagnostic accuracy for RA.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers for RA diagnosis and management is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the serum levels of PYCARD, IL-38, and IL-6 in RA patients.
- To assess the clinical relevance and diagnostic efficacy of these biomarkers in RA.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 88 RA patients and 88 healthy controls were analyzed.
- Levels of PYCARD, IL-38, IL-6, anti-CCP, and ESR were measured.
- Correlations and diagnostic performance were evaluated using statistical analyses, including ROC curve analysis.
Main Results:
- PYCARD, IL-6, and IL-38 levels were significantly higher in RA patients compared to controls (P < 0.05).
- A strong positive correlation was observed between PYCARD and IL-38 (P < 0.01).
- Combinations of PYCARD/anti-CCP, IL-38/anti-CCP, and IL-6/anti-CCP demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy (AUCs of 0.97, 0.96, and 0.96, respectively), outperforming individual markers.
Conclusions:
- PYCARD, IL-6, and IL-38 are potential novel biomarkers for RA.
- These markers, particularly in combination with anti-CCP, may serve as valuable tools to support RA diagnosis.
Background:
The objective of this investigation is to analyze the levels and clinical relevance of serum PYCARD (Pyrin and CARD domain-containing protein, commonly known as ASC-apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain), interleukin-38 (IL-38), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in individuals afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods:
Our study comprised 88 individuals diagnosed with RA who sought medical attention at the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University during the period spanning November 2021 to June 2023, constituting the test group. Additionally, a control group of 88 individuals who underwent health assessments at the same hospital during the aforementioned timeframe was included for comparative purposes. The study involved the assessment of IL-38, IL-6, PYCARD, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels in both groups. The research aimed to explore the correlations and diagnostic efficacy of these markers, employing pertinent statistical analyses for comprehensive evaluation.
Results:
The test group had higher expression levels of PYCARD, IL-6, and IL-38 than the control group (P < 0.05). Based on the correlation analysis, there was a strong relationship between PYCARD and IL-38 (P < 0.01). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.97, 0.96, and 0.96 when using combinations of PYCARD and anti-CCP, IL-38 and anti-CCP, and IL-6 and anti-CCP for predicting RA, respectively. Importantly, all three of these pairs demonstrated superior AUC values compared to PYCARD, IL-38, IL-6, ESR, or anti-CCP used as standalone diagnostic indicators.
Conclusion:
PYCARD, IL-6, and IL-38 exhibit promising potential as novel diagnostic markers and may constitute valuable tools for supporting the diagnosis of RA.
