Circulating Preptin as a Marker for Osteoblast Inhibition in Rheumatoid Arthritic Patients Treated with Corticosteroids

Abstract

Preptin is a newly isolated 34 amino acid peptide hormone co-secreted with insulin and amylin from pancreatic β-cells as a regulatory element in bone metabolism with an unclear yet mechanism

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints

Two classes of medications are used in the management of RA: fast-acting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteoids, and slow-acting drugs. Corticosteroids are well known to have several adverse effects on bone metabolism.

Aim

The aim of the present study is to assess the association of corticostroids when used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritic patients, with circulating preptin, in an attempt to shed a light on the mechanism of induced osteoporosis in such patients.

Subjects and methods

Ninety subjects were enrolled in this study. Divided into three groups:

G1= Thirty RA lean patients taking DMARDs + corticosteroids

G2= Thirty RA lean patients taking DMARDs without corticosteroids

G3= Thirty healthy weight and aged matched controls

Circulating serum preptin was measured in all groups using ELISA technique.

Results

Results showed that circulating serum preptin was elevated in patients with RA. However it was lower in G1 than in G2

In conclusion

Results showed that preptin was affected in such patients when compared to arthritic patients not treated with corticosteroids. This suggests that this newly discovered hormone could be considered as a new marker for bone mineral density and osteoporosis.