The association between serum levels of growth differentiation factor-15
and rheumatoid arthritis activity
Abstract
Background: Macrophages play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of
rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15)
acts as an autocrine regulator of macrophage activation. Objective: The
aim of this study was to assess serum level of GDF-15 as a potential
biomarker for detecting RA activity. Method: A total of 100 female RA
patients and 55 age matched healthy control females were enrolled. The
serum level of GDF-15 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay by an eBioscience kit. Results: Serum levels of GDF-15 in RA
patients with high, moderate, low and no disease activity were
989.0±161.9, 505.6±220.5, 349.2±155.9 and 349.0±144.0 pg/ml,
respectively. GDF-15 with a cut-off value higher than 705 pg/ml was
indicative of high RA activity with sensitivity of 96% and specificity
of 92%. Conclusion: GDF-15 serum levels may be used as a biomarker to
predict high RA disease activity.