Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand-20 and Interleukin-15 as Novel Biomarkers in Rheumatoid Arthritis Women

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. The disease can also affect other organ systems, increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the immunological role of CCL20 and IL-15 in blood of women with rheumatoid arthritis. Methodology: A case-control study was conducted at AL-Najaf Medical City, Iraq from October 2023 to February 2025. This study enrolled 60 healthy participants as a control group, as well as 30 early RA women, 30 moderate RA women, and 30 severe RA women; all women who were diagnosed by the physician. Anti-CCP, RF, CCL20, and IL-15 have been measured using the ELISA technique. Results: Blood levels of anti-CCP (37.51 ± 1.397 U/ml) and RF (39.71 ± 2.007 IU/ml) were substantially higher (P < 0.0001) than those of the control group (4.108 ± 0.3711U/ml) and (8.333 ± 0.3359 IU/ml) respectively. The blood concentrations of IL-15 were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in moderate and severe RA women. In comparison, the blood levels of CCL20 were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in early, moderate, and severe RA subjects. A positive correlation was observed between blood concentrations of CCL20 and IL-15 in all women with RA. Conclusion: CCL20 and IL-15 are potential key indicators for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. Increased levels of these biomarkers may reflect disease severity. Furthermore, they could play a role in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis female participants in our study.