Work

Serum Sclerostin Correlates with ACPA Positivity in Post-Menopausal Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Data from a Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study in Greece

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by bone loss, partly due to impaired Wnt signalling. The role of sclerostin, an endogenous Wnt inhibitor, in RA remains unclear. Methods: This 9-month cross-sectional case-control study included post-menopausal women recruited at a tertiary hospital in Athens, Greece. Participants underwent clinical assessment, DXA, radiographs, and blood tests. The aim was to assess serum sclerostin levels and their associations in RA. Results: A total of 97 RA patients and 45 controls were included. Mean age was 67 ± 7 years; median RA duration was 8 years; 40% were seropositive; 65% received bDMARDs. Median sclerostin levels did not differ significantly between groups (p=0.645). In RA patients, sclerostin levels were positively associated with ACPA (p=0.043). Notably, 27% of RA patients had extremely high sclerostin levels versus 11% of controls (p=0.035). Discussion: Although overall sclerostin levels were similar between groups, higher levels in seropositive RA suggest a possible link with ACPA. Cite this article as: Krikelis MI, Moschou D, Zoupidou K, Mole E, Makris K, Tournis S, Gazi S, Nikolaou V, Mavragani C, Chronopoulos E. Serum Sclerostin Correlates with ACPA Positivity in Post-Menopausal Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Data from a Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study in Greece. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2026;37(2):347-356. Article Submitted: 19 Apr 2025; Revised Form: 24 Jul 2025; Article Accepted: 6 Aug 2025; Available Online: 27 Mar 2026 https://doi.org/10.31138/mjr.190425.eda This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. ©2026 The Author(s).

Source: Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology

DOI: 10.31138/mjr.190425.eda