PCT is highly expressed in GA in comparison to RA, AS and Healthy control.

<p>(A) The comparison of serum PCT in GA (n = 51), RA (n = 37), AS (n = 41) and healthy control (n = 33) were determined by Mann–Whitney U-test. In GA patients PCT was significantly higher level observed than in RA (p = 0.002), AS (p = 0.0007) and healthy control (p<0.0001), whilst no significant differences in between RA and AS were observed. (B) The GA patients were divided into GA (tophi) (n = 29) and GA (none tophi) (n = 22) which indicates GA patients with tophi or not respectively. GA Serum PCT level was compared among these groups.</p

Correlation of PCT with CRE and Uric acid.

<p>Spearman correlation test was performed to analyze the correlation between serum PCT and CRE, uric acid levels in GA patients (n = 51). PCT was not correlated neither with CRE (r = 0.07, <i>p</i> = 0.63) nor Uric acid (r = 0.15, <i>p</i> = 0.30).</p

Positive correlation of serum PCT with VAS, CRP, ESR, and WBC in GA patients.

<p>The determination of linear relationships between PCT and CRP, ESR, VAS and WBC in GA patients (n = 51) was performed by Spearman correlation coefficient. PCT is significantly positively correlated with VAS (r = 0.39; <i>p</i> = 0.004), CRP (r = 0.52; <i>p</i>< 0.0001), ESR (r = 0.28; <i>p</i> = 0.045). There was no association between PCT and WBC.</p

Correlation between PCT and ASDAS, CRP, ESR and WBC.

<p>Correlation of the serum levels of PCT with ASDAS, CRP, ESR and WBC was evaluated by Spearman correlation test in AS patients (n = 41). PCT was significantly positively correlated with CRP (P = 0.001). No correlation between PCT and ASDAS, ESR and WBC were detected.</p