Evaluation of serum14-3-3η protein and Sema3A levels in rheumatoid arthritis: diagnostic and prognostic value

Background: Serum14-3-3 eta protein plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as it is a joint-derived proinflammatory mediator. Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) plays an immune regulatory and bone remodeling role in many autoimmune diseases. Their role in rheumatoid arthritis needs to be evaluated for diagnostic and prognostic prospective values. Results: The serum level of protein 14-3-3n was significantly higher in patients with RA than those in healthy controls. Serum 14-3-3 eta has a significant positive correlation with RF and ACPA, but not with either DAS28, ESR, or CRP. Serum 14-3-3 eta levels were significantly correlated with radiographically assessed joint damage. Serum Sema3A levels were decreased in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to controls. There were also negative correlations with disease duration and activity score (DAS28), ESR, CRP, and RF. Conclusion: The discriminative ability of 14-3-3 eta was comparable to RF and ACPA enhancing its diagnostic capacity. Sema 3A might serve as a predictive marker for radiographic severity and could have a potential therapeutic role in RA.