The study investigates HIPK3 DNA methylation as a potential biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relationship with clinical indicators in multiple rheumatic diseases.
Researchers analyzed methylation levels in 368 participants, using advanced sequencing technology, and discovered that HIPK3 methylation was significantly lower in RA, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and dermatomyositis (DM) compared to healthy controls.
Findings indicate a negative correlation between HIPK3 methylation levels and various clinical markers in RA, suggesting HIPK3 hypomethylation could serve as a diagnostic indicator for RA and related diseases.