Semaphorin 3A in ankylosing spondylitis and its correlation to disease activity in Assiut Governorate
Mohamed H.M. Shehata, Mohamed I. Abdelkareem, Tarik M. AbdelAziz, Ali S. MohamedBackground and aim
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory spondyloarthropathy manifested by axial skeleton involvement and variable pseripheral arthritis. Semaphorin 3A (Sema 3A), a secreted glycoprotein, modulates immune responses and bone remodeling, potentially influencing AS pathogenesis. This study investigated serum Sema 3A levels in AS patients from Assiut Governorate, measuring disease activity and its correlation with Sema 3A.
Patients and methods
We conducted a cross-sectional controlled study at Assiut University Hospital involving 25 AS patients (meeting ASAS criteria) of both sexes and 25 healthy controls. Serum Sema 3A concentrations were quantified by ELISA. Assessment of disease activity was performed using ASDAS-C-reactive protein (CRP), ASDAS-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, and CRP and ESR levels.
Results
AS patients exhibited significantly increased serum Sema 3A (median 245.3 ng/ml, IQR 178.6–312.1) versus controls (98.7 ng/ml, IQR 72.4–134.5;
Conclusion
Elevated serum Sema 3A levels in AS patients strongly correlate with disease activity indices, indicating its potential use as a biomarker to track inflammation and the treatment effect in this population.