Fig. 1

Increased expression of semaphorin 4A (Sema4A) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). a Sema4A mRNA (relative to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH)) was detected by qRT-PCR and its expression increased in the synovial tissues in RA (n = 12) compared with those in osteoarthrits (OA) (n = 12). b Western blot analysis showed that Sema4A protein increased in the synovial tissues of RA (n = 12) compared with those of OA (n = 12) (ratio Sema4A/GAPDH RA 2.39 ± 0.15; OA 0.42 ± 0.12, P = 0.016 < 0.05). c The level of Sema4A was detected by ELISA in fluid from RA and OA patients. d Correlation between soluble Sema4A in fluid from RA patients (n = 12) and disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28). *P <0.05 and **P <0.01 (statistically significant differences)