Figure 6
From: FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L)/CD135 axis in rheumatoid arthritis
FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand serum levels in response to prednisolone or adalimumab therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Serum was collected at baseline and post treatment, at 2 weeks in case of prednisolone treatment and 16 weeks for adalimumab treatment. Adalimumab patients were further discriminated between responders, moderate responders and nonresponders based on European League Against Rheumatism criteria. FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) serum levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and after therapy. (A) Serum levels of Flt3L decreased significantly (P = 0.02) after prednisolone treatment. (B) Positive correlation between the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) and Flt3L serum levels in prednisolone-treated patients (P = 0.0078, r = 0.63). (C) A trend towards lower serum levels of Flt3L was observed in RA patients (only responders) after adalimumab treatment. *P < 0.05.