Investigation of the relationship between neuropathy complication and serum HSP27, LIPRIN ALPHA 1, NGF, BDNF, nitric oxide levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that is frequently seen in the community with mainly joint involvement. Extra-articular manifestations of RA may occur at the onset or during the course of the disease and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. One of the acquired causes of peripheral neuropathy is RA. In this study, it was aimed to determine whether there is a difference in serum HSP27, liprin alpha1, NGF, BDNF, NO levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients with neuropathy compared to the normal population and rheumatoid arthritis patients without neuropathy. A total of 90 cases, including 30 patients without rheumatoid arthritis neuropathy complications, 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis neuropathy complications, and 30 healthy controls, were included in the study. Serum HSP27, liprin alpha 1, NGF, BDNF, NO levels of individuals were measured by ELISA method; DAS28 activity score was calculated for RA patients. Serum HSP27, liprin alpha 1, NGF, BDNF levels were found to be significantly lower in RA patients compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). It was also found to be significantly lower in neuropathy positive patients than the other two groups. Serum NO levels were found to be significantly higher in the control group than in the patient group (p<0.001); however, no significant difference was found between the patient groups. The DAS28 score was found to be significantly higher in the group with neuropathy than in the group without neuropathy (p<0.001). While there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of gender; a significant difference was found in terms of mean age. The mean age was found to be significantly higher in the neuropathy group (p<0.001). HSP27, liprin alpha 1, NGF, BDNF molecules may be associated with disease activity and neuropathy; it was concluded that it can be used as a biomarker.