Publications

VPAC1 and VPAC2 both mediate anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory responses in RA. Both these are receptors of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a broadly distributed peptide found in neural, endocrine and immune cells, which triggers biological response when interacting with the aforementioned receptors. It has recently been described in Martinez et al. that those patients with low levels of VIP have worse disease outcome.1This study analyzed 250 blood samples from the Princesa early Arthritis Register Longditudinal (PEARL) Study and from healthy donors. Specifically analyzed was the correlation between both receptors and DAS28 scores in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with early arthritis. The major find for this study is that expression of VPAC1 is lower in patients with increased disease activity, thus making it possible to differentiate between patients with varying disease activity. 1) Martinez C, Ortiz AM, Juarranz Y, Lamana A, Seoane IV, Leceta J, et al. Serum levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide as a prognostic marker in early arthritis. PLoS One. 2014; 9:e85248. doi: 10.1371/ journal.pone.0085248