Insights of rheumatoid arthritis biomarkers

Biomarkers. 2021 May;26(3):185-195. doi: 10.1080/1354750X.2020.1794043. Epub 2021 Feb 10.

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune connective tissue disease. In addition to joint involvement, extra-articular changes and organ complications also occur in the course of the disease. Untreated disease leads to disability and premature death. Therefore, it is important to recognise and begin treatment early. Based on the presence of rheumatoid factor and antibodies against citrullinated peptides, we can distinguish two forms of the disease: seropositive and seronegative. Research continues to elucidate the mechanisms of the onset of the disease, as well as to uncover factors that induce and influence the activity of the disease. The presence of markers that initially appear and affect the course of the disease can potentially aid in patient treatment. In this article, we have collected biomarkers of rheumatoid arthritis that are well understood as well as those that have been recently described.

Keywords: ACPA; Biomarkers; RA; RF; autoantibodies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies / blood
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / blood
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnosis
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / therapy
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Autoantigens / immunology*
  • Autoimmunity*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Humans
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Rheumatoid Factor / blood
  • Serologic Tests

Substances

  • Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies
  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoantigens
  • Biomarkers
  • Rheumatoid Factor