Serum Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing-1 Levels are Related to Radiological Affection and Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common systemic inflammatory disease. Collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 (CTHRC1) is a unique gene product able to reduce collagen deposition. The present study aimed to assess CTHRC1 level in RA patients and to uncover its relation to clinical, laboratory and radiological findings.

Methods: The study included 60 adult RA patients. In addition, there were 60 control subjects who included patients with osteoarthritis (n = 20) and reactive arthritis (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 20). Serum CTHRC1 levels were assessed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Disease activity was calculated using the Disease Activity Score (DAS28-CRP). Radiological damage was evaluated using the Simple Erosion Narrowing Score (SENS).

Results: There was significantly higher serum CTHRC1 levels in RA patients when compared to OA, ReA and control groups [median (IQR): 4.66 (1.68-11.7) versus 1.88 (1.14-2.94), 1.55 (0.98-3.15) and 1.14 (0.85-1.3) mg/dL, respectively, p < 0.001]. There was significantly higher CTHRC1 levels in patients with higher disease activity [median (IQR): 2.23 (1.4-4.73) versus 6.55 (4.66-12.0) mg/dL, p = 0.004]. Patients with higher SENS had significantly higher CTHRC1 [median (IQR): 1.99 (1.4-4.66) versus 9.75 (4.39-12.63) mg/dL, p < 0.001] and DAS28 [median (IQR): 4.25 (2.9-5.2) versus 5.4 (4.65-5.8), p = 0.01].

Conclusion: Serum CTHRC1 levels are related to disease severity and radiological affection in RA patients.