The study will focus on several key aspects of lung injury: epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis with and without lung injury in Adjara; early biomarkers of lung injury and their correlation with traditional research methods; changes in markers after traditional treatment in previously treated patients.

Project Goal
Optimization of assessment and treatment approaches based on individual ILD risk assessment.
Project Objectives

- Assessment of the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in Ajara, if possible - also in neighboring regions (it would be best to cooperate with colleagues from other regions to create a broader picture of Georgia); this requires cooperation with rheumatology clinics in Ajara (I suggest the participation of 6th year students, but this work should start from October-November 2025) and, if possible, with other institutions in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and other regions. It seems that the opportunity to co-author a scientific publication would be useful for local rheumatologists.
- Assessment of the legislative aspects of blood sampling for scientific purposes in rheumatology clinics of Adjara and issuance of documents that patients should sign (informed consent, etc.); Assessment of the availability of clinics to perform specific tests (pulmonary function test with DLCO assessment, high-resolution computed tomography) and their possibilities for participation in the study (again, practicing physicians can be co-authors of scientific publications + they will also receive support from the grant)
- Assessment of the capacity of blood sampling and serum conservation in the clinics participating in the project and the availability of laboratory equipment (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, etc.)
- Start taking blood samples from patients and storing serum samples
- After taking sera from 50-60 patients, purchase reagents (partially funded by the grant, partly, hopefully, at my own expense) and conduct the tests
- Analysis of the results and publication of articles
 

- Understanding the spectrum of rheumatoid arthritis in Adjara (characteristics, treatment, etc.)
- As a result of the analysis of biomarkers, it will be possible to publish the article in international scientific journals
- Analysis of markers in previously treated patients before and during treatment will help to understand the impact of treatment on the respiratory system