Objectives: The aim of the study is to examine the association between 14-3-3η protein levels in both serum and synovial fluid (SF) with various parameters in a longitudinal cohort of patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Serum and SF samples were obtained from RA patients and 14-3-3η levels were measured. Radiological damage and progression were evaluated using Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS) at study entry and at 2-years follow-up.

Results: A total of 39 RA patients were included with a mean disease duration of 9.6 ± 8 years. Levels of 14-3-3η were two-fold higher in SF than in serum (mean of 3.7 versus 1.7 ng/mL, respectively). While no significant association was found between 14-3-3η levels with disease activity or other laboratory assessments, both serum and SF 14-3-3η levels positively correlated with radiographic damage at baseline …