Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies are associated with osteopenia but not with pain at diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis : Data from the BARFOT cohort
Background: Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) have been suggested to have a potential role in both bone loss and pain in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), based on studies in vitro and in animal models. Here we addressed if anti-cyclic citrullinated (anti-CCP) antibodies were associated with osteopenia or pain in patients with RA, at the time for diagnosis. Methods: Baseline data from the BARF