Chemokine receptor CXCR3 in peripheral blood in rheumatoid arthritis patients: its relation to disease activity and joint destruction

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CXCR3 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relation to disease activity, synovitis, and joint destruction. This study included 30 RA patients and 20 healthy controls. Morning stiffness, disease activity for 28 joint indices score (DAS-28), and Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire scores were estimated. Levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, hemoglobin, and CXCR3 in peripheral blood were also determined. Radiological assessment included determination of the Van der Heijde modification scores for hands and feet and MRI scores for wrists and metacarpophalangeal joints for detection of synovitis and bone defects. CXCR3 levels in peripheral blood were found to be increased in RA patients compared with controls (P<0.001) and in patients with moderate and high RA activity scores. CXCR3 levels in peripheral blood were positively correlated with DAS-28 levels, Van der Heijde modification scores, and MRI scores for wrists and metacarpophalangeal joints for detection of synovitis and bone erosion. This study demonstrates an important role of CXCR3 in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation in RA and that CXCR3 blockade may offer a new strategy for reducing the severity and inflammatory reaction in RA patients.