Is dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) associated with inflammation present in human spondyloarthritides and rheumatoid arthritis?

Abstract

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) is a serine peptidase which has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, but its mediator actions have not been well investigated in patients with spondyloarthritides. The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical relevance of changes in serum DPP IV activity and concentration in these diseases. Serum DPP IV activity was significantly decreased in patients with spondyloarthritides and rheumatoid arthritis compared to the control group, while DPP IV concentration was increased. Among spondyloarthritides patients, DPP IV concentration was decreased in patients with reactive arthritis. No difference was observed in DPP IV activity or concentration between spondyloarthritides and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as between patients with clinically active disease and those in remission. Our results suggest that DPP IV could not be used as a specific serum marker, but could be potentially used as a non-specific inflammatory marker.