14-3-3η Protein in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Promising Diagnostic Marker and Independent Risk Factor for Osteoporosis

Abstract

Background: Early identification and disease monitoring are challenges facing rheumatologists in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: We utilized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine 14-3-3η and anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) levels, with rheumatoid factor (RF) level detected by rate nephelometry. The diagnostic value of each index was determined via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the association between 14-3-3η and osteoporosis was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: Serum levels of 14-3-3η were 3.26 ng per mL in patients with RA. These levels were helpful in identifying patients with the disease, with the area under the curve (AUC) being 0.879 and 0.853, respectively, from all healthy control individuals and patients with RA. Combining 14-3-3η with RF or anti-CCP increased the diagnostic rate. Logistic regression analysis identified 14-3-3η as an independent risk factor for RA-related osteoporosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.503; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.116-2.025; P <.01).

Conclusions: Serum 14-3-3η detection by itself or combined with other serum indices was helpful in differentiating patients with RA. Also, it was a promising biomarker for disease monitoring in RA.

Keywords: 14-3-3η protein; anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody; diagnostic; osteoporosis; rheumatoid arthritis; rheumatoid factor.