Background:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune, chronic, and systematic
disease. It affects joints and bones. The exact etiology of RA is still unclear. Varied genetic
and environmental factors have been associated with the increased risk for RA. Overactivation
of Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) could initiate the development of autoimmune diseases
including RA.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to evaluate TLR2 gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis
patients and investigate its correlation with the disease activity.
Materials and Methods:
This study included 60 patients and 20 healthy individuals. The patients
were diagnosed with RA according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/
European League Against Rheumatism criteria (ACR/EULAR). All included subjects
did not have any joint disorders and /or autoimmune diseases. RA disease activity was determined
by the disease activity score of 28 joints. Whole blood was collected from all participants.
Total RNA extraction was done. TLR2 mRNA expression was assessed by reverse
transcription-PCR (RT-PCR).
Results:
TLR2 mRNA expression was found to be significantly higher in RA patients compared
to healthy controls. Also, a strong positive correlation was found between TLR2 expression
level and the disease activity score. A non significant positive correlation was found
between TLR2 expression and serum Rheumatoid Factor (RF) level.
Conclusion:
TLR2 pathway may have an important role in RA pathogenesis and could be a
new biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring disease activity.
B cells as a therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases other than rheumatoid arthritis