Clinical Information

Serum 14-3-3 eta protein belongs to the 14-3-3 family of intracellular chaperone proteins (beta, gamma, epsilon, eta, sigma, theta, zeta). It is a joint-derived proinflammatory mediator that up-regulates cytokines and enzymes that perpetuate local and systemic inflammation and may contribute to joint damage.

Serum 14-3-3 eta is detectable at significantly higher levels in the serum from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when compared to healthy subjects and individuals with RA mimickers (other autoimmune conditions and viral/bacterial infections). It has also been reported as an important biomarker in diagnosing cases that are seronegative for traditional markers like rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPA).

In addition to the contribution of 14-3-3 eta in the diagnosis of RA, previous studies have reported its clinical potential of 14-3-3 eta as a predictor of poor clinical and radiographic outcomes, both at baseline and after initiation of treatment, even in Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) remitters. These studies suggest that 14-3-3 eta, c-reactive protein, age, and ACPA represent independent predictors of subsequent joint damage.