الفهرس 
The Review of the literatureOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common chronic diseases, with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 1%. RA is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the small joints of the hand, wrist, and feet. If left untreated, it can lead to extensive impacts on quality of life, with loss of productivity due to damaged and deformed joints inhibiting fine movements of the hand.
Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a proto-type member of Galectins, a family of soluble lectins defined by their affinity toward galactose-β1-4-N-acetylglucosamine (N-acetyl-lactosamine, LacNAc)-enriched glycoconjugates present on the cell surface or extracellular matrix.
Conflicting findings have been reported on the role of Gal-1 in the context of immune regulation and its role can be described as pro- or anti-inflammatory, ultimately this depends on the primary cell types, cellular niche or environment. Therefore, further study was required to understand the role of Gal-1 during inflammation.
This case control study was conducted at Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation department of Ain-shams University hospital between January 2021 and November 2021 to evaluate the serum level of Galectin-1 in rheumatoid arthritis Cases and Controls. A total of 40 adult Egyptian participants were enrolled and divided into two equal groups; Cases group included 20 Cases diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for RA and control group included 20 healthy Cases.
Statistical analysis of current results of serum level of galectin-1 showed that the comparison between both groups regarding demographic data and chronic diseases showed no significant differences with p>0.05 as well as the comparison between Cases regarding clinical manifestations , medical treatment and laboratory investigations also showed no significant differences with p>0.05.
Regarding serum Galectin-1 level ; statistical analysis of current results showed that there was statistically significant increase in the serum galectin-1 level in Cases group with a mean of 33.5 ng/ml in a range from (29 ng/ml to 40.5 ng/ml) than control group with a mean of 7ng/ml in a range from (6 ng/ml to 8.5 ng/ml) with p-value <0.001.
Regarding serum Galectin-1 cut off point; Gal-1 serum levels proved to be good parameters to distinguish Cases with established RA from controls as statistical analysis of our results showed that the best cut off point between the control group and the Cases group regarding serum galectin-1 level was found > 15 (ng/ml) with sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 95% and area under curve (AUC) of 99.9%.
Regarding disease duration in Cases group there was no significant statical difference in serum Gal-1 level among Cases with different disease duration.
Regarding disease activity in Cases group there was no significant statical difference in serum Gal-1 level among Cases with different disease activity.
In conclusion, our study proved role of serum level of Galectin-1 in RA pathogenesis with high validity. No significant relation was noted between serum level of Galectin-1 and disease activity so, more clinical trials with larger sample size and more data are needed for further evaluation.
The conclusion
Our study demonstrated the usefulness of measuring serum Galectin-1 in the Egyptian patients with RA with high validity. This proves the role of Galectin-1 in RA pathogenesis.
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We also concluded that serum Galectin-1 level of more than 15ng/ml was the best cut off point with sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 95% and area under curve (AUC) of 99.9%. There was no significant relation noted between serum level of Galectin-1 and disease activity.
However, further studies with larger sample size are highly required to obtain high level of evidence regarding routine use of serum galectin-1 in RA patients.
The recommendations
If available, serum level of Galectin-1 can be used for establishing diagnosis of patients with RA with high validity.
Further longitudinal studies with larger number of patients to detect serum Galectin-1 level during the course of the disease are still needed.
Exploring the correlation between serum and synovial Galectin-1 level in RA patients is still needed.