THE INTERPLAY OF PITUITARY GONADOTROPINS AND PROLACTIN IN THE PATHOGENESIS AND ACTIVITY OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY DESIGN

Rohitash Kumar*, Vyas R. K.

ABSTRACT

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder predominantly affecting middle-aged individuals, leading to joint pain, disability, and systemic complications. Early diagnosis and evaluation are essential to prevent disease progression and associated metabolic disturbances. Objectives:
To evaluate and compare selected biochemical parameters in newly diagnosed patients with rheumatoid arthritis and age- and gender-matched healthy controls Methods: The present observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with the Departments of General Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Sardar Patel Medical College and Associated Group of Hospitals, Bikaner, Rajasthan. A total of 80 subjects aged 45–60 years were enrolled and divided into two groups: Group A comprising 40 newly diagnosed cases of rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed according to the Modified 2010 ACR-EULAR classification criteria, and Group B comprising 40 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Patients with autoimmune diseases other than RA, metabolic and endocrine disorders, chronic systemic illnesses, malignancy, obesity (BMI >30), smokers, those on hormone therapy, corticosteroids, lipid-lowering drugs, vitamins or minerals, and those already receiving anti-rheumatic treatment were excluded. After obtaining informed consent, 7–8 mL of venous blood was collected under aseptic precautions. Serum was analyzed for the required biochemical parameters. Results: The biochemical parameters analyzed showed significant differences between newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls, indicating early metabolic and inflammatory alterations associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Conclusion: This study was designed to evaluate biochemical alterations in newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients by comparing them with healthy controls, providing insight into early disease-related changes.

Keywords: RA, FSH, LH, PRL.