ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Excessive interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) leads to joint destruction, inflammation, and systemic symptoms. IL-6 inhibitors alleviate symptoms. C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation biomarker, correlates with RA activity. In this study, we assess IL-6 and CRP levels in RA patients to understand their association with disease activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in central India for 15 months, from July 2022 to September 2023. The study involved 75 participants diagnosed with RA and receiving outpatient treatment. Exclusion criteria included anti-IL-6 drug treatment, bedridden individuals, proxy patients, and those without consent. Disease activity was assessed using the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28), while IL-6 and CRP levels were measured following the standard procedures. RESULTS: The average CRP levels were found to be 51.67 ± 47.49 mg/L, while IL-6 levels averaged 65.16 ± 43.67 pg/ml. The results revealed a substantial positive correlation between IL-6 levels and DAS28 (r = 0.603, p value < 0.001), indicating a significant association. Additionally, a moderate correlation between CRP levels and DAS28 (r = 0.493, p value < 0.001) highlighted a significant relationship between these variables. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis showed that higher IL-6 levels were associated with increased disease activity and suggested IL-6 as a valuable indicator for assessing RA severity. Also, CRP levels had a moderate correlation with disease activity. Overall, IL-6 is a better marker for disease activity when compared to CRP levels in patients with RA.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Global mortality is significantly influenced by myocardial infarction. Scientists have examined the role of the copper-containing protein ceruloplasmin in heart attacks. It helps to regulate oxidative stress, iron metabolism, and inflammation. Vitamin C's antioxidative qualities lend credence to the idea that it could help prevent cardiovascular disease. Several studies have shown that elevated uric acid levels are related to a higher risk of myocardial infarction. With this background, we conducted this study to estimate levels of ceruloplasmin, vitamin C, and uric acid in patients with myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A tertiary care hospital in central India carried out this comparative cross-sectional study. The study was conducted between December 2022 and April 2023. Patients of any gender with newly diagnosed myocardial infarction who received admission to the intensive care unit and had ST-segment elevation of at least 2 mm in two or more consecutive electrocardiogram leads were included in the patient group. The control group consisted of individuals who did not exhibit any changes associated with myocardial infarction. Based on sex, age, and body mass index, the 75 control and 75 patients were matched. Ceruloplasmin, vitamin C, and uric acid were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The uric acid levels among the patient group were 10.34 ± 3.23 mg/dL, and among the controls, they were 3.45 ± 1.12 mg/dL (p<0.001). The ceruloplasmin levels among the patient group were 64.34 ± 4.21 mg/dL, and among the controls, they were 29.23 ± 3.82 mg/dL (p<0.001). The vitamin C levels among the patient group were 13.80 ± 0.94 µmol/L, and among the controls, they were 45.62 ± 4.34 µmol/L (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The patients with myocardial infarction demonstrated significantly elevated levels of ceruloplasmin and uric acid, while their vitamin C levels were lower in comparison. It is crucial to comprehend the underlying mechanisms through which these parameters influence the development of myocardial infarction.