Progranulin and TNF-α levels in people with ankylosing spondylitis

"Progranulin in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: A Potential Biomarker?"

Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi · NCT07117344

This study will test whether blood progranulin and TNF‑α levels differ between adults with ankylosing spondylitis and healthy adults, and whether taking TNF‑α blockers is linked to progranulin levels.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorKirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi (other)
Locations1 site (Kırşehir)
Trial IDNCT07117344 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a cross‑sectional observational study enrolling 80 adults with ankylosing spondylitis and 80 age‑matched healthy controls to compare serum progranulin (PGRN) and TNF‑α concentrations. Clinical measures including BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, ASQoL, ASDAS‑CRP, ESR and CRP will be recorded for patient participants to relate biomarker levels to disease activity. Medication history will be documented to examine the relationship between prior or current TNF‑α inhibitor use and PGRN levels. Participants with pregnancy, active infection, malignancy, or other rheumatic diseases will be excluded and all testing is performed at a single visit.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 20–65 diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis/ankylosing spondylitis by ASAS 2009 criteria, able to give consent and without pregnancy, active infection, malignancy, or other rheumatic diseases are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have active infections, cancer, or concurrent secondary rheumatic diseases are excluded and would not benefit from participation in this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If positive, the findings could help identify progranulin as a blood marker linked to disease activity or treatment effects in ankylosing spondylitis, aiding monitoring decisions.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research indicates progranulin interacts with TNF pathways and may relate to inflammatory disease activity, but its usefulness as a clinical biomarker in AS remains preliminary and not yet established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Between the ages of 20-65
* Signing the informed consent form
* Axial spondyloarthropathy diagnosis according to ASAS 2009 criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or lactation
* Having signs of acute or chronic infection
* Presence of malignancy
* Having concurrent secondary rheumatic disease other than Axial Spondyloarthropathy

Where this trial is running

Kırşehir

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Ankylosing Spondylitis / Radiographic Axial SpA, ankylosing spondylitis, tnf, Progranulin, disease activity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.