TWEAK and Fn14 in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Dharmapatni Anak ASSK, Smith Malcolm D, Crotti Tania N, Holding Christopher A, Vincent Cristina, Weedon Helen M, Zannettino Andrew CW, Zheng Timothy S, Findlay David M, Atkins Gerald J, Haynes David R
Primary Institution: University of Adelaide
Hypothesis
This study aimed to investigate TWEAK and TWEAK receptor (Fn14) expression in synovial tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and assess soluble TWEAK levels in synovial fluids.
Conclusion
High levels of TWEAK and Fn14 in active rheumatoid arthritis tissues suggest their important role in joint inflammation and bone erosion.
Supporting Evidence
- TWEAK and Fn14 expression were significantly higher in synovial tissue from all patient groups compared to control subjects.
- TWEAK was significantly higher in active compared with inactive RA tissues.
- Higher levels of soluble TWEAK were observed in synovial fluids from active RA compared with OA patients.
- TWEAK expression co-localised with CD38+ plasma cells and CD22+ B-lymphocytes in RA tissues.
Takeaway
TWEAK is a protein that can cause inflammation and bone damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and we found it is more active in those with severe symptoms.
Methodology
The study used immunohistochemistry to detect TWEAK and Fn14 expression in synovial tissues and ELISA to measure soluble TWEAK levels in synovial fluids.
Limitations
The study did not verify the cell types expressing Fn14 using dual label immunohistochemistry due to technical reasons.
Participant Demographics
{"active_RA":{"gender":"6 females, 4 males","mean_age":"69.2 years"},"inactive_RA":{"gender":"3 females, 6 males","mean_age":"72.33 years"},"OA":{"gender":"3 females, 7 males","mean_age":"69.3 years"},"control":{"gender":"4 females, 6 males","mean_age":"40.2 years"}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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