RAFTLIN-1 Levels in Axial Spondyloarthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Condition: Axial Spondyloarthritis; Psoriatic Arthritis
MeSH terms: Spondylitis; Arthritis; Arthritis, Psoriatic; Spondylarthritis; Axial Spondyloarthritis
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Unlike other rheumatic diseases, acute phase reactants such as C-reactive protein and
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate are not diagnostic for patients with Spondyloarthropathies
      (SpA). Also, it is not possible to monitor disease activity with these tests. On the other
      hand, HLA-B27 positivity varies between races, and 8% of the normal population is HLA-B27
      positive. In this manner, new biomarkers for endorsing the diagnosis and monitoring the
      disease activity are necessary.

      Acute phase reactants are not sensitive for diagnosing and assessing disease activity. This
      may lead to a diagnostic delay of up to 9 years. The investigators hypothesize that
      Raftlin-1, thought to have a regulatory role in TH17 function and IL-17-mediated immunity,
      may be a novel biomarker for showing inflammation-related clinical features.
    

Detailed description: 
      Unlike other rheumatic diseases, acute phase reactants such as C-reactive protein and
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate are not diagnostic for patients with Spondyloarthropathies
      (SpA). Also, it is not possible to monitor disease activity with these tests. On the other
      hand, HLA-B27 positivity varies between races, and 8% of the normal population is HLA-B27
      positive. In this manner, new biomarkers for endorsing the diagnosis and monitoring the
      disease activity are necessary.

      In recent years Raftlin, a significant lipid raft protein responsible for transmembrane
      signal transmission, was found. It has been discovered that the Raftlin protein has two
      subtypes (Raftlin-1 and Raftlin-2), and in transgenic mice without RAFTLIN genes,
      T-cell-dependent immunity has been altered.

      Cytokine production, especially IL-17, is diminished in T cells with the lack of Raftlin
      protein, while it is increased in T cells, including transgenic Raftlin. This condition is
      associated with TCR-related signaling pathways. Particularly, Lck protein occurrence in lipid
      raft is increased with Raftlin overexpression, while it is diminished with absence. Regarding
      this, Raftlin is thought to modulate TCR signaling, thus altering the T-cell mediated
      immunity.

      Acute phase reactants are not sensitive for diagnosing and assessing disease activity. This
      may lead to a diagnostic delay of up to 9 years. The investigators hypothesize that
      Raftlin-1, thought to have a regulatory role in TH17 function and IL-17-mediated immunity,
      may be a novel biomarker for showing inflammation-related clinical features.
    

Intervention name(s): serum raftlin-1 protein levels
Intervention type(s): Diagnostic Test
Intervention description(s): Lipid raft linker 1 (Raftlin-1) is a protein which enables double-stranded RNA binding activity. It is involved in T cell receptor signaling pathway; membrane raft assembly; and positive regulation of growth rate. It acts upstream of or within dsRNA transport; response to exogenous dsRNA; and toll-like receptor signaling pathway. Located in endosome; membrane raft; and plasma membrane.
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Diagnostic
Keywords: Axial Spondyloarthritis; Psoriatic Arthritis; Raftlin-1