Evaluation of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin antibodies, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in comparison with other rheumatic diseases; a nephrology point of view

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune rheumatic disease with a chronic and progressive inflammatory disorder manifestations leading to articular cartilage damage, and disability, and also renal involvement. It seems that recruitment of tests based on high specific and sensitive serological immunobiomarkers removes these mentioned gaps. Additionally, the results of laboratory tests, assist to reach an accurate prognosis and real estimation of the patient’s clinical statue especially hospitalized individuals in intensive care units. Objectives: The aim of this study is assessment and titration of some autoantibodies as anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti- CCP), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in RA patients in comparison to patients with other forms of rheumatologic diseases. Patients and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted from January to June 2012 in Zanjan province on 100 patients with RA and 100 patients with other rheumatic disease that were randomly selected. All necessary data of clinical history for the patients was extracted from their medical records. After delivering antecubital venous blood (7 mL) to hematology ward of laboratory, quantative ELISA test was performed for autoantibodies. Results: Anti-MCV tests showed 72% positivity in RA group compared to 10% positivity in other group of rheumatic diseases. There was a significant correlation between positivity of anti-MCV and RA disease. Mean anti-MCV titer is 236.23 ± 2.319 U/mL in RA group and 28.75 ± 0.432 U/mL in other disease group. In this study anti-MCV antibodies had diagnostic sensitivity of 81.7% (versus anti-CCP), diagnostic specificity of 72.22%, positive and negative predictive value 93.05% and 46.42%, respectively. Conclusion: According to results of this study, not only anti-MCV measurement but also anti-CCP assist to early diagnosis of RA. Results of the recent study could not show definite correlation between anti-MCV and disease activity. The result of this study may be helpful for renal involvement in RA patients, whereas evaluation on this aspect of RA patients seems essential.