Serum Concentrations of Interleukin-8 and Vitamin D Levels in Jordanian Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency and elevated levels of IL-8 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of RA.

This cross-sectional study aims to compare Vitamin D and IL-8 levels between RA patients and healthy controls and assess the relationship between Vitamin D, IL-8, and other inflammatory markers in RA patients.

The study included 123 participants divided into two groups: 63 RA patients and 60 healthy controls, with equal numbers of males and females in each group. Serum levels of Vitamin D, IL-8, rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and white blood cell (WBC) count were measured and compared between the groups.

RA patients had a higher percentage of females (74.6%) compared to the control group (41.7%). Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in RA patients compared to controls (41.4 ± 25.2 vs 46.5 ± 12.4, p = 0.002). IL-8 levels were significantly higher in the RA group compared to controls (546.9 pg/mL vs 3.1 pg/mL, p < 0.001). RF and anti-CCP antibody levels were also significantly higher in RA patients. However, no significant correlation was found between IL-8, Vitamin D, and other inflammatory markers.

The findings highlight the importance of Vitamin D screening or intervention in RA patients due to its potential impact on immune function and disease progression. The elevated IL-8 levels and other inflammatory markers confirm the chronic inflammatory state in RA, emphasizing the need for continuous inflammation-targeted approaches, including pharmacological treatment and lifestyle modifications.