engleski

Negative finding for antibodies targeting modified citrullinated vimentin in patients with psoriatic arthritis: a cross sectional study

Background. Antibodies against modified citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) are a specific and sensitive marker for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), comparable to antibodies targeting citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP). While anti-CCP is present in up to 15% of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients, the prevalence of anti-MCV in these patients has been poorly investigated. Objectives. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and significance of anti MCV antibodies in patients with PsA. Methods. Fifty-six patients (29 male, 27 female) with established diagnosis of PsA were included in the study. Clinical data were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and physical examination was performed. Disease activity, fatigue and functional capability were assessed using established instruments, as well as the severity and extent of psoriasis. Sera samples of all patients were analysed for anti-MCV and anti-CCP antibodies using commercially available ELISA assays (Orgentec Diagnostika and Euroimmun, respectively) and for RF with latex immunoturbidimetry. Results. Anti-MCV antibodies were positive in only 2 PsA patients (3.6%). In one patient anti-MCV reactivity was moderately positive while in other borderline. Both patients had asymmetric polyarthritis and dactylitis. They were anti-CCP and RF negative. No statistically significant difference in anti-MCV levels was observed regarding the clinical subtypes of arthritis, presence of dactylitis or enthesitis. Furthermore, anti-MCV levels did not correlate with the duration of PsA, number of swollen or tender joints, levels of RF, anti-CCP, CRP or SE, the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28 score), the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy- Fatigue (FACIT-F) score nor with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. Anti-CCP antibodies were negative in all patients. Conclusion. Our data show that anti-MCV antibodies can be found in a small proportion of PsA patients with polyarthritic disease, confirming the high specificity of this test in differentiating patients with RA from other inflammatory arthritis, namely PsA. Further studies in longitudinal follow-up are needed to elucidate possible prognostic value of anti-MCV antibodies in PsA patients with polyarthritic disease and high disease activity.

citrullinated vimentin ; psoriatic arthritis ; citrullinated peptides

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