Correlation of C-reactive protein, Antinuclear antibodies and Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Mini Review

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder affecting approximately 0.5-1% of the global population and is characterized by persistent inflammation and progressive joint damage. This review aims to examine the association between RA and key inflammatory and autoimmune biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, and antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), and to evaluate their clinical relevance in RA patients. Relevant peer-reviewed literature was analyzed to assess the role of these biomarkers in disease activity, diagnosis, and systemic involvement in RA. CRP, a highly conserved acute-phase protein synthesized by the liver, increases in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines and correlates with disease activity; serum CRP levels typically decline with effective treatment and rise during clinical deterioration. Anti-CCP antibodies, directed against citrullinated proteins, are highly specific for RA and are valuable for early diagnosis and prognostic assessment, while ANAs are present in a subset of patients, reflecting overlapping autoimmune features. Although RA primarily affects synovial joints, extra-articular manifestations occur in approximately 40% of patients and may involve multiple organ systems. Biomarkers such as CRP, anti-CCP antibodies, and ANAs play a critical role in the diagnosis, monitoring, and prognostication of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly given the challenges associated with early disease detection.