Determination of Immune Markers in Renal Disorders Throughout Biological Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the serum level of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, creatinine, glomular filtration rate, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interlukin-6 (IL6) in rheumatoid arthritis patients associated with renal impairment treated with antiTNF-α. This study included "two groups; 54 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with Etanercept (Enbrel) 50mg and 58 patients with rheumatoid arthritis on treatment other than Anti TNF-α as a comparative"group. The results showed that renal function tests of rheumatoid arthritis patients who received Anti TNF-α were different, before and"after treatment. A "significant decrease in the value of creatinine and in the level of GFR after 6 months of treatment was observed"(P≤ 0.0001). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, interlukin-6 and TNF-α increased in rheumatoid arthritis patients with renal disorders before biologic therapy compared with the comparison group who were on treatment other than Anti TNF-α. Following the administration of Anti TNF-α"therapy. These inflammatory parameters were significantly diminished in the rheumatoid arthritis patients after the therapy. The treatment with Anti TNF-α seems to be a factor in restoring the levels of the inflammatory immune markers.