Will 14-3-3η Be a New Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Prospective Study of Its Utility in Early Diagnosis and Response to Treatment

Aim of the Work. To evaluate diagnostic and prognostic capacity of 14-3-3η protein in early RA, investigate its pathogenic and theragnostic role, and find its correlations with disease activity and severity in established RA patients. Subjects and Methods: 80 patients with early RA, 80 patients with established RA, and 80 healthy controls were included in this study. ROC curve analysis of RF, ACCP, and 14-3-3η in early disease was conducted, and serum levels of 14-3-3η were assessed by ELISA and reassessed in early RA patients 6 months after anti-TNF therapy. Correlation of 14-3-3η with parameters of disease activity and severity was analyzed. Results. Serum14-3-3η levels were significantly higher in all RA patients than in controls P < 0.001 , its sensitivity was 86.7% and 88.3% in early and established RA patients with a significant difference with RF and ACCP at early disease, and the specificity was 96.7%. There was a significant reduction of 14-3-3η levels 6 months after treatment in the first group p = 0.004 , and there was a significant positive correlation between serum 14-3-3η levels and parameters of disease activity and severity. Conclusion. 14-3-3η could be a novel, potent, and efficacious diagnostic, and prognostic marker for RA with high sensitivity, that may become a new therapeutic target for RA.