Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis and irreversible joint destruction. RA development is a multi-stage process conditioned by the presence of genetic and environmental risk factors on the basis of which systemic immunization develops. The best known genetic factor predisposing to RA development is the polymorphism of HLA-DRB1 region of the major histocompatibility complex. Among environmental factors, importance in the pathogenesis of RA is attributed to the development of inflammation of the respiratory tract and chronic periodontitis caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis. The presence of antibodies and biomarkers of inflammation is well established before the onset of clinical symptoms of arthritis. The most well-known serological markers of RA include rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated peptide/proteins antibodies (ACPA). The search for new biomarkers that will allow the diagnosis of arthritis in the early, pre-destructive phase of the disease is still underway. The compound of anti-carbamylated protein antibodies (anti-CarP), adipocytokines or vitamin D with development of RA is tested. Several clinical studies have shown that disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy introduced at an early stage, referred to as a "window of opportunity", is associated with long-term benefits in the form of long-term remission and even complete remission of the disease.
Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis; adipokines; antibodies; biomarkers; early arthritis.