Abstract
Biomarkers in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Enhancing Diagnosis and Predicting Treatment Responses
Author(s): Glen Hazelwood*Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent joint inflammation, pain, and progressive joint damage. Despite significant advances in the understanding of RA pathophysiology and treatment options, early diagnosis and predicting therapeutic responses remain major clinical challenges. Biomarkers, which can reflect the underlying disease processes, have emerged as critical tools for improving diagnostic accuracy, stratifying patients based on disease activity, and predicting treatment outcomes. This article reviews the current state of biomarkers in RA, with an emphasis on diagnostic biomarkers, prognostic markers, and biomarkers for treatment response. We explore the role of traditional biomarkers (such as rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies), emerging biomarkers (such as cytokines, microRNAs, and serum proteomics), and novel approaches in biomarker discovery. Finally, we discuss the implications of these biomarkers in personalized medicine, providing insights into how they can guide therapy choices and improve patient outcomes in RA.