Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 is a biomarker of anti-CCP-positive, early rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: To assess serum soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) levels in disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-naïve early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA), to investigate the association of sTREM-1 levels with Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) and seropositivity for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibody and to determine the predictive value of sTREM-1 with respect to clinical response to DMARD therapy.

Methods: Twenty-two consecutive patients with DMARD-naïve ERA were prospectively evaluated for serum sTREM-1 by means of ELISA at diagnosis and at the following clinic visit after prednisone and/or DMARD has been administered, and related to DAS28 and serum level of anti-CCP antibody. We compared the sTREM-1 level to that of 31 patients with established RA as well as to 24 controls.