Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) and Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) are chronic inflammatory disorders that usually affect older people. Although the aetiology of these diseases remains unknown, genetic, environmental, and immune factors have been implicated. Specific cytokines such as the IL-6, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-17, and interferon –γ seem to play an essential role. The diagnosis of the disease is usually based on clinical manifestations and the use of histology or imaging, while disease monitoring is based on physical examination, laboratory, and imaging findings. However, there is the unmet need in identifying possible biomarkers that could help the diagnosis and the monitoring as well. The present study aims to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, and immunological characteristics of PMR and/or GCA patients in the region of northwest Greece and to evaluate the role of specific molecules associated with the pathogenesis of the diseases, giving evidence to possible future biomarkers.

Cite this article as: Memi T, Koletsos N, Gerolymatou N, Karakosta M, Georgiadis AN, Drosos AA, Voulgari PV. Clinical, Serological, and Immunological Characteristics of Greek Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica and/or Giant Cell Arteritis: A Research Protocol. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2023;34(4):577-80

Article Submitted: 26 Nov 2022; Revised Form: 11 Dec 2022; Article Accepted: 12 Dec 2022; Available Online: 05 Sep 2023

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

©2023 The Author(s).

https://doi.org/10.31138/mjr.050923.csa