Background
CASP5, an inflammatory caspase involved in pyroptosis and IL-1β release, may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), though its clinical associations remain poorly defined.
Objective
To evaluate the association of CASP5 gene expression and plasma protein levels with RA susceptibility and disease activity in Egyptian patients.
Results
A total of 40 RA patients and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. 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.
Conclusion
Elevated CASP5 expression and plasma levels are strongly associated with RA and its clinical activity, suggesting that CASP5 could serve as a promising diagnostic and monitoring biomarker.
Cite this Article (APA)
Mona, E. F., Rana, A. K., Noha, H. I., Basma, G. A. B., Walid, A. E. A. E. (2025). CASP5 gene expression and plasma levels in rheumatoid arthritis: correlation with disease activity. Egyptian Rheumatology and Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43166-025-00345-1
