Serum levels of soluble CD44 variant 5 in patients with seropositive rheumathoid arthritis treated with cyclosporin A

CD44 is a widely expressed cell surface glycoprotein which is involved in m any cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Expression of soluble CD44 spli ce variants is strictly regulated and is linked to a high rate of cell divi sion. Serum levels of soluble CD44 variant 5 (sCD44v5) were determined in 1 4 patients with erosive RA. Patients were divided into two groups. In group 1 cyclosporin A treatment (CYA) was initiated after the first visit. In gr oup 2 preliminary CYA was continuated. Controls were performed after 6 mont hs. We found a significant decrase of swollen joint count (SJC) and sCD44v5 in group 1. No effect of CYA was found on c-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and IgM-rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF). In group 2 a signifi cant decrease of CRP was found. Therefore we conclude that measurement of s CD44v5 might be useful in monitoring RA+ patients with CYA.