Circulating Levels of Free 25(OH)D Increase at the Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis

ABSTRACT Objective Epidemiological studies suggest vitamin D deficiency as a potential risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development, a chronic autoimmune disorder highly prevalent in indigenous North American (INA) population. We therefore profiled the circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitaminD [25(OH)D], an active metabolite of vitamin D, in a cohort of at-risk first-degree relatives (FDR) of INA RA patients, a subset of whom subsequently developed RA (progressors). Methods 2007 onward, serum samples from INA RA patients and FDR were collected at the time of a structured baseline visit and stored at −20°C. Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), 25(OH)D, hs-CRP, vitamin-D binding protein (VDBP) levels were determined using ELISA and rheumatoid factor (RF) seropositivity was determined by nephelometry. Results We demonstrate that 25 (OH) D concentrations were lower in winter than summer ( P =0.0538), and that serum 25(OH)D levels were higher in samples collected and stored after 2013 ( P <0.0001). Analysis of samples obtained after 2013 demonstrated that 37.6% of study participants were 25(OH)D insufficient (<75nmol/L). Also, seropositive RA patients and FDR had lower 25(OH)D levels compared to ACPA-/FDR ( P <0.05, P <0.01 respectively). Linear regression analysis showed 25(OH)D insufficiency was inversely associated with presence of RA autoantibodies. Longitudinal samples from 14 progressors demonstrated a consistent increase in 25(OH)D levels at the time they exhibited clinically detectable joint inflammation, without any significant change in VDBP levels. Conclusion We demonstrate that 25(OH)D levels in serum increased at RA onset in progressors. The potential role that vitamin D metabolites and their downstream effects play in RA transition requires further investigation.