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Genetic research

Elevated CASP5 Expression and Plasma Levels Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by investigators at Benha University has shed light on the potential role of CASP5 in the immunopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study, published in the Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation journal, investigated the association between CASP5 gene expression and plasma levels with RA susceptibility and disease activity in Egyptian patients. The findings suggest that elevated CASP5 expression and plasma levels are strongly associated with RA and its clinical activity, making CASP5 a promising diagnostic and monitoring biomarker.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 40 RA patients and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls to evaluate the association of CASP5 gene expression and plasma levels with RA susceptibility and disease activity.
  • CASP5 expression was approximately 6.4 times higher and plasma levels about 1.5 times higher in RA patients compared to controls.
  • Both CASP5 expression and protein levels showed strong positive correlations with disease activity score (DAS28), rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) (p 0.001 for all).
  • CASP5 levels were significantly lower in patients receiving biological treatment.
  • Elevated CASP5 expression and plasma levels are strongly associated with RA and its clinical activity.
  • Mona El-Toukhy Fouda, a researcher at Benha University, led the study and concluded that CASP5 could serve as a promising diagnostic and monitoring biomarker for RA.

Statistics:

  • CASP5 expression was approximately 6.4 times higher in RA patients compared to controls.
  • Plasma levels of CASP5 were about 1.5 times higher in RA patients compared to controls.
  • Both CASP5 expression and protein levels showed strong positive correlations with disease activity score (DAS28), RF, CRP, ESR, and ACPA (p 0.001 for all).
  • CASP5 levels were significantly lower in patients receiving biological treatment (exact percentage not specified in the article).

Sources:

  • Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 2025,52(1):1-11. (SpringerOpen)
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s43166-025-00345-1 (free version of the journal article available online)
  • NewsRx. Studies from Benha University Yield New Data on Rheumatoid Arthritis (CASP5 gene expression and plasma levels in rheumatoid arthritis: correlation with disease activity). Health & Medicine Week. September 5, 2025; p 6984.

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