Serum Magnesium and Uric Acid Levels in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background and aims

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease causing joint pain, stiffness, and deformity. Genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development. Oxidative stress due to reactive oxygen species can potentially aggravate these symptoms. Studies on trace elements like magnesium (Mg) and uric acid (UA) suggest potential treatment targets. Therefore, we designed this study to compare Mg and UA levels in RA patients and healthy individuals.

Methods

This study is a cross-sectional case-control study with 43 RA patients, and 43 healthy controls. Patients with RA were diagnosed based on ACR/EULAR criteria and were categorized by disease activity score (DAS28). Blood samples were collected for laboratory tests, including uric acid, magnesium, CRP, and anti-CCP levels. Appropriate statistical approaches were used for categorical and numeric variables via SPSS software.

Results

The study found no significant difference in serum UA levels between RA patients and healthy controls. However, Mg levels were significantly lower in RA patients. Mg level was not significantly different according to DAS.  A significant inverse correlation was found between magnesium and CRP levels. An ROC curve revealed that anti-CCP level had a high sensitivity for RA diagnosis, with an optimal cut-off point of 32.5 U/ml.

Conclusion

A low Mg level should be expected in patients with RA. Supplementing magnesium may be a helpful treatment approach in this group. In contrast, uric acid levels do not appear to be influenced by RA, but its antioxidant properties cannot be entirely disregarded. Moreover, anti-CCP level shows high sensitivity as a diagnostic tool for RA.