Background; Despite recent advances in treatment, Rheumatoid arthritis remains a significant cause of morbidity and premature mortality. 14-3-3η protein was found at higher levels of serum and synovial fluid of patients with arthritis .
Aim of the work; To assess serum levels of 14-3-3η protein in early rheumatoid arthritis and correlate it with ultrasound findings.
Patients and methods; 30 patients with early RA were subjected for measurement of CBC, ESR, CRP, RF, Anti-CCP and 14-3-3η protein. Ultrasonography of both hands was done for all patients.
Results; Disease duration was from 3-10 months. Their mean age was 38.2 ± 10.11years, with average disease activity (4.4 ± 0.74), mean ESR,CRP and antiCCP was (40.0 ± 17.75), (18.6 ± 11.78) and (73.5 ± 81.86) respectively . Serum 14-3-3η protein level was 344.8 ± 121.9 ng\ml with statistically significant difference between control group 38.4 ± 15.3 ng\ml (p-value < 0.001). Serum 14-3-3η protein was significantly correlated to serum RF (P value = 0.048) and Anti-CCP (P value = 0.003), while it was not significantly correlated to ESR, CRP, or DA28. No significant correlation was found between serum 14-3-3η protein and musculoskeletal ultrasound parameters.
Conclusion; 14-3-3η protein was significantly correlated to rheumatoid factor level and Anti-CCP but not correlated to ESR or CRP . 14-3-3η protein was not associated with structural damage in RA.