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Galectin-9 as an indicator of functional limitations and radiographic joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

  • 0The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Frontiers in Immunology +

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July 3, 2024

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July 3, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Elevated Galectin-9 (Gal-9) levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients correlate with disease severity, functional limitations, and joint damage. This suggests Gal-9 may serve as a valuable biomarker for RA progression and patient outcomes.

Area Of Science

  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and joint damage.
  • Galectin-9 (Gal-9) has been implicated in autoimmune and inflammatory processes.
  • The potential of Gal-9 as a biomarker in RA requires further investigation.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the role of Galectin-9 (Gal-9) as a biomarker in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • To assess Gal-9's association with functional limitations and radiographic joint damage in RA patients.

Main Methods

  • 146 RA patients and 52 healthy controls were analyzed.
  • Serum Gal-9 levels were measured using ELISA.
  • Clinical data, including disease activity, physical function (HAQ), and radiographic joint damage, were assessed.
  • Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine associations.

Main Results

  • Serum Gal-9 levels were significantly higher in RA patients compared to controls (13.1 ng/mL vs. 7.6 ng/mL).
  • Elevated Gal-9 levels correlated with older age, longer disease duration, higher inflammatory markers, and difficult-to-treat RA.
  • Higher Gal-9 levels (>11.6 ng/mL) were independently associated with high disease activity and functional limitations.
  • Patients with Gal-9 >11.6 ng/mL exhibited increased disease activity, functional limitations, and radiographic joint damage.

Conclusions

  • Galectin-9 (Gal-9) shows potential as a biomarker in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • Elevated Gal-9 levels are linked to increased disease activity, functional limitations, and radiographic joint damage in RA patients.
  • Gal-9 may aid in monitoring RA progression and predicting patient outcomes.

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