Background and Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease is a common inflammatory arthritis associated with joint destruction, motor disorder, and decreased life span. Hepcidin is an acute phase reactant protein which increases in inflammatory conditions mediated by IL-6 and its concentration elevates within the cell through regulating iron metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum hepcidin and its association with acute -phase proteins and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Materials and Methods: In this case control study, 45 women with rheumatoid arthritis without prior therapy and 45 healthy individuals were investigated. After the physical examination and assessment of the disease activity based on DAS28-3(CRP) questionnaire, serum levels of hepcidin, TNF-α, hsCRP, ferritin, hemoglobin, and MDA (Malondialdehyde) were determined.
Results: Serum levels of hepcidin, MDA, TNF-α and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were higher in RA patients than the control group (P=0.028, P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.014). Hepcidin and MDA levels did not correlate with the disease activity scores and TNF-α, hcCRP, and hemoglobin levels in the RA group. Hepcidin was significantly correlated with the serum levels of ferritin higher than 60 Ng/Ml (r=0.57, P=0.031).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that serum hepcidin and ferritin concentrations could be a useful laboratory marker in confirmatory diagnosis of anemia and atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.