Increased expression of the proprotein convertase enzyme FURIN in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: FURIN is a proprotein convertase enzyme that inhibits the proinflammatory function of T cells and myeloid cells. Elevated FURIN expression levels have been reported in immune-mediated diseases, such as primary Sjögren's syndrome. Here, we investigated the levels of FURIN in peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) leucocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHOD: FURIN mRNA expression in PB and SF cells was determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and FURIN plasma levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associations between FURIN levels and demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were determined.

RESULTS: FURIN levels were significantly elevated in PB and SF mononuclear cells, T cells, and monocytes from RA patients compared to healthy controls. High FURIN levels were significantly associated with the prevailing prednisolone treatment, higher prednisolone doses, and increased C-reactive protein levels and Health Assessment Questionnaire values.

CONCLUSION: FURIN is significantly upregulated in RA PB and SF leucocytes, suggesting that it may have a role in the pathogenesis of RA. In addition, our results suggest that elevated FURIN expression is associated with the indicators of more severe RA.