Bone turnover biomarkers, disease activity, and MRI changes of sacroiliac joints in patients with spondyloarthritis

AbstractThe lack of valid biomarkers in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) requires searching for additional options to increase sacroiliac joint (SIJ) evaluation effectiveness. We assessed the serum levels of bone turnover markers and their relationships with active and chronic changes in SIJs using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), indices, and laboratory parameters of disease activity in SpA patients. 102 patients with SpA and 15 healthy subjects were included. Testing of serum levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF- β1), Wnt3, sclerostin, and Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) was conducted. Active inflammatory lesions in SIJs were evaluated using Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) MRI SIJ score, and chronic changes using the Danish scoring method. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, C-re active protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Scores with CRP, and ESR were used to assess disease activity. Serum levels of Dkk-1, TGF-β1, and sclerostin were significantly lower in SpA patients compared to healthy controls. The serum levels of Dkk-1 positively correlated with CRP. Dkk-1 had a significant negative correlation with Danish score. The sclerostin serum level had a weak negative correlation with the active inflammatory MRI SIJ lesions. There were positive correlations between TGF-β1 and sclerostin with Dkk-1, and negative cor relation between Wnt3 and sclerostin. Dkk-1 positively correl...
Source: Rheumatology International - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research