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ID PMID Title PublicationDate abstract
12869082 Economic analysis of celecoxib versus diclofenac plus omeprazole for the treatment of arth 2003 Jul 15 AIM: To evaluate the economic impact of celecoxib therapy vs. diclofenac plus omeprazole therapy for the treatment of arthritis in Chinese patients with a high risk of bleeding, from the perspective of a public health organization in Hong Kong. METHODS: The medical records of 287 Chinese arthritic patients with a history of bleeding ulcers who had previously participated in a randomised study of celecoxib 200 mg twice daily and extended-release diclofenac 75 mg twice daily plus 20 mg of omeprazole daily for 6 months were reviewed. RESULTS: Compared to the diclofenac plus omeprazole group, the average total direct cost per patient in the celecoxib group showed a significant reduction of 11%, from HK 10,915 (range HK dollars 10,915-57,899) to HK dollars 9714 (range HK dollars 9714-89,770) (P<0.0001) (1 US dollars=7.8 HK dollars). The median direct medical cost for routine management in the celecoxib group was significantly lower (11%) than that for the diclofenac plus omeprazole group [HK dollars 10,915 (range 10,915-28,048) vs. HK dollars 9714 (range HK dollars 6946-26,179) (P<0.0001)]. In patients who experienced recurrent bleeding, the celecoxib group showed a significantly higher median cost of management of recurrent bleeding than the diclofenac plus omeprazole group [HK dollars 8466 (range 572-29,851) vs. HK dollars 23,210 (range HK dollars 12,318-65,823)] (P=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Celecoxib therapy appears to cost less compared with diclofenac plus omeprazole for treatment of arthritis in Chinese patients with a high risk of bleeding.
12810424 Increased inflammatory activity parallels increased basal nitric oxide production and blun 2003 Jul BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction, defined as loss of bioactivity of NO in the vessel wall, is thought to precede atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether endothelial dysfunction characterises patients with RA and whether these patients have increased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) dependent NO production in vivo. METHODS: and results: Twenty patients with RA and 33 normal subjects received intrabrachial artery infusions of endothelium dependent (acetylcholine (ACh)) and independent (sodium nitroprusside (SNP)) vasodilators to determine arterial responsiveness to NO. Basal flow and its percentage decrease by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an inhibitor of both iNOS and endothelium dependent NOS (eNOS), was used to determine the contribution of iNOS and eNOS dependent NO to basal flow. Both SNP (p<0.01) and ACh (p<0.05) increased blood flow significantly less in patients with RA than normal subjects. Serum concentrations of TNFalpha were, within the RA group, inversely correlated with blood flow responses to both SNP (r=-0.67, p=0.002) and ACh (r=-0.64, p<0.005). Basal flow was significantly increased in RA and correlated within this group with serum CRP (r=0.48, p<0.05), TNFalpha (r=0.61, p<0.01) concentrations, and ESR (r=0.68, p<0.002). L-NMMA decreased basal flow significantly more (-34+/-2%) in the patients with RA than the normal subjects (-24+/-3%, p<0.02), suggesting in view of the blunted response to ACh, increased iNOS activity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with RA have a dual abnormality in NO dependent vascular function. Basal blood flow is increased in proportion to inflammatory activity and more inhibited by L-NMMA, suggesting increased iNOS activity, and responsiveness to NO is reduced.
11817609 Identification of differentially expressed genes in rheumatoid arthritis by a combination 2002 Jan OBJECTIVE: There is increasing evidence that T cell-independent pathways, such as the up-regulation of protooncogenes and the production of growth factors and matrix-degrading enzymes, lead to progressive destruction of affected joints. Therefore, identification of differentially regulated genes restricted to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts is essential. A combination of RNA arbitrarily primed-polymerase chain reaction (RAP-PCR) and complementary DNA (cDNA) array with defined genes was used for a highly sensitive differential screening using small amounts of RNA. METHODS: RNA was extracted from cultured synovial fibroblasts obtained from 6 patients with RA and 6 patients with osteoarthritis (OA). RAP-PCR was performed using different arbitrary primers for first- and second-strand synthesis. PCRs were hybridized to cDNA array membranes. RA samples were compared with OA samples for differentially expressed genes. RESULTS: In contrast to standard cDNA array, the identification of 12 differentially expressed genes in RA compared with OA (approximately 6%) was possible. Differentially expressed genes of interest were confirmed using semiquantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. CONCLUSION: Numerous variants of the differential display method and continuous improvements, including RAP-PCR, have proven to be both efficient and reliable for examining differentially regulated genes. Our results show that RAP-PCR combined with cDNA arrays is a suitable method for identifying differentially expressed genes in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts, using very small amounts of RNA.
15645976 Methotrexate induced accelerated nodulosis. 2004 Jul Methotrexate induced accelerated nodulosis (MIAN) is a rare but unique side effect of methotrexate therapy. There is paucity of data from our country about this entity. We analyzed 14 cases of MIAN and studied its association with gender, rheumatoid factor positivity and dose and duration of methotrexate. Fourteen patients (8 females), 12 with rheumatoid arthritis (8 seropositive), one each with juvenile idiopathic (JIA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were detected to have MIAN during study period. All the patients presented with acute onset of multiple nodules. Radial border of fingers was the most commonly involved site. Disease was inactive in all but two patients at the time of appearance of MIAN. There was no association of MIAN with gender, rheumatoid factor positivity, disease duration, cumulative dose and duration of methotrexate therapy. Two patients each were treated with colchicine, D-penicillamine or hydroxy-chloroquine for 3-6 months without any response. We conclude that MIAN is a benign side effect of methotrexate treatment.
15053231 Reduction of soluble adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin) and vascular e 2004 Jan INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of repeated infusions of infliximab, a chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF)-alpha antibody, on the levels of soluble adhesion molecules and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The treatment design consisted of 9 infusions of infliximab (3 mg/kg) at weeks 0, 2, 6, and every 8 weeks thereafter. All patients had been receiving methotrexate (MTX; 7.5-20 mg/week). Serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1, E-selectin (sE-selectin), and VEGF were measured by ELISA at weeks 0, 2, 6, 14, and 38 prior to infusion, and at week 62. RESULTS: A remarkable decrease in serum sICAM-1 (p<0.001), sVCAM-1 (p<0.01), sE-selectin (p<0.01) and VEGF (p<0.001) levels was observed in RA patients after the initial dose of infliximab. The second administration of the drug was followed by an even more significant suppression of serum sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin, and VEGF (p<0.001 in all cases). Further infliximab infusions also significantly reduced serum soluble adhesion molecules and VEGF concentrations, although these were less effective. Infliximab treatment induced a significant decrease in the number of monocytes observed until the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Our study, besides a rapid suppression of disease activity, showed that serum soluble adhesion molecules and VEGF concentrations are down-regulated following anti-TNF-alpha antibody therapy combined with MTX. Repeated doses of infliximab sustained the reductions in the soluble adhesion molecules and VEGF concentrations, although they were less effective than the first and second infusions of infliximab.
15270863 Osteoprotegerin (OPG) acts as an endogenous decoy receptor in tumour necrosis factor-relat 2004 Aug We examined the role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) on tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in rheumatoid fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS). OPG protein concentrations in synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) correlated with those of interleukin (IL)-1beta or IL-6. A similar correlation was present between IL-1beta and IL-6 concentrations. Rheumatoid FLS in vitro expressed both death domain-containing receptors [death receptor 4 (DR4) and DR5] and decoy receptors [decoy receptor 1 (DcR1) and DcR2]. DR4 expression on FLS was weak compared with the expression of DR5, DcR1 and DcR2. Recombinant TRAIL (rTRAIL) rapidly induced apoptosis of FLS. DR5 as well as DR4 were functional with regard to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis induction in FLS; however, DR5 appeared be more efficient than DR4. In addition to soluble DR5 (sDR5) and sDR4, OPG administration significantly inhibited TRAIL-induced apoptogenic activity. OPG was identified in the culture supernatants of FLS, and its concentration increased significantly by the addition of IL-1beta in a time-dependent manner. Neither IL-6 nor tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha increased the production of OPG from FLS. TRAIL-induced apoptogenic activity towards FLS was reduced when rTRAIL was added without exchanging the culture media, and this was particularly noticeable in the IL-1beta-stimulated FLS culture; however, the sensitivity of FLS to TRAIL-induced apoptosis itself was not changed by IL-1beta. Interestingly, neutralization of endogenous OPG by adding anti-OPG monoclonal antibody (MoAb) to FLS culture restored TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Our data demonstrate that OPG is an endogenous decoy receptor for TRAIL-induced apoptosis of FLS. In addition, IL-1beta seems to promote the growth of rheumatoid synovial tissues through stimulation of OPG production, which interferes with TRAIL death signals in a competitive manner.
12546136 NADPH oxidase priming and p47phox phosphorylation in neutrophils from synovial fluid of pa 2002 Dec Superoxide anion (O2(o)-)production by neutrophil NADPH oxidase participates in arthritic joint lesion formation. Proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) have a priming effect on neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity. NADPH oxidase activation is dependent on phosphorylation of p47phox, a cytosolic component of the enzyme. We studied O2(o)-production and p47phox phosphorylation in synovial fluid (SF) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondylarthropathy (SpA) according to TNFalpha, IL-8 and GM-CSF levels. O2(o)-production by neutrophils isolated from SF of all the arthritis patients (RA and SpA) was higher than that of circulating resting neutrophils and when stimulated with fMLP or PMA. In addition, p47phox was partially phosphorylated in SF neutrophils compared to circulating neutrophils. High levels of TNFalpha and IL-8 (but not GM-CSF) are detected in patient's SF (compared to circulating blood levels). TNFalpha levels were significantly higher in RA than in SpA SF. These results suggest that increased NADPH oxidase activity could be involved in arthritic joint inflammation through increased p47phox phosphorylation. This could be the result of the presence of high levels of priming agents such as TNFalpha and IL-8 but not GM-CSF.
15168156 Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia associated with sulfasalazine in a patient w 2004 Jun Pulmonary toxicity and blood dyscrasias are rare side effects of sulfasalazine. Pulmonary pathology is variable, the most common being eosinophilic pneumonia with peripheral eosinophilia, and interstitial inflammation with or without fibrosis. We here present the case of a 68-year-old female patient treated for 6 months with sulfasalazine for rheumatoid arthritis. On laboratory examination, eosinophil count was 97 x 10(3) mm(3). Thorocoscopic biopsy was performed. Histopathologic diagnosis was bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP). This is the first case in the literature to present with sulfasalazine-induced BOOP in a patient with seronegative RA.
12884458 Adalimumab (HUMIRA): a review. 2003 Aug Adalimumab (HUMIRA, Abbott Laboratories) is a new fully human TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody recently approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and undergoing trials for use in treating other conditions, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This article reviews its mechanisms of action, clinical trial results, and related discussion.
15564880 Contribution of common polymorphisms in reduced folate carrier and gamma-glutamylhydrolase 2004 Nov We investigated whether polymorphisms in reduced folate carrier (SLC19A1 G80A) and gamma-glutamyl-hydrolase (GGH-401C/T) are predictive of methotrexate polyglutamate (MTXPG) levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with weekly low-dose methotrexate (MTX). Adult patients treated with MTX were enrolled in a multicentred study. Blood was drawn at the time of the visit, DNA was extracted and red blood cell (RBC) MTXPG levels (up to the penta-order of glutamation) were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorometry. A G80A polymorphism in SLC19A1 and a -401C/T promoter polymorphism in GGH were measured by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to predict long-chain RBC MTXPG3-5. In 226 adult patients receiving MTX (median 15 mg range: 5-25 mg) median RBC long-chain MTXPG3-5 was 56 nmol/l (range < 5-224 nmol/l). A total of 35 patients carried the SLC19A1 80AA genotype whereas 36 patients carried the GGH-401TT genotype. Weekly MTX dose, age, presence of the SLC19A1 80AA and GGH-401TT genotypes predicted independently and significantly MTXPG3-5 levels (global r = 0.38; P < 0.0001). Patients with the GGH-401TT genotype were 4.8-fold [odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8-13.0; P = 0.002] more likely to have MTXPG3-5 below the group median compared to patient carriers of the GGH-401CC or CT genotype. Conversely, those with the SLC19A1 80AA genotype were 3.4-fold more likely to have MTXPG3-5 levels above the group median compared to those with the SLC19A1 80GG or 80GA genotype (OR CI 95% 1.4-8.4; P = 0.007). These data demonstrate that polymorphisms in SLC19A1 and GGH affect polyglutamation of MTX.
14646375 Estrogen altered oral tolerance induction in type II collagen-induced murine arthritis. 2004 Jan BACKGROUND: Estrogen plays an important modulatory role in the immune system, and is concerned with the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although the mechanism has not yet been clarified. Oral tolerance, a form of specific peripheral tolerance, which is recognized as a new therapeutic strategy, is related to the function of gut-associated lymphoid tissue. METHODS: In this study, using collagen-induced arthritis as an animal model of RA, the effects of 17beta-estradiol (E2) on oral tolerance induction were investigated. For induction of oral tolerance, mice were fed 60 microg type II collagen (CII) for 10 consecutive days prior to each CII immunization. Mice in the E2 treatment groups were injected with 5 microg (low dose) or 500 microg (high dose) E2 three times during the induction of oral tolerance. RESULTS: Oral tolerance induction suppressed the occurrence of arthritis, the proliferative response of splenocytes to CII and the specific DTH response. However, E2 treatment abrogated the suppression, which might be connected with a change in function of Peyer's patch (PP) lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that oral tolerance induction might be affected by estrogen treatment through alteration of intestinal immune responses.
11841836 Thioredoxin as a biomarker for oxidative stress in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 2002 Feb There is no doubt that oxidative stress occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and play an important role in both inflammation and destruction of RA joints. Thioredoxin (TRX) is a ubiquitous redox-active protein and is known to be induced in several cells against oxidative stress and to be secreted extracellularly. To clarify whether plasma thioredoxin levels could be a marker for oxidative stress in patients with RA, we measured plasma TRX levels in patients with RA using a sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and investigated its relationship to TRX concentrations in the inflammatory joints. We have found that the plasma TRX levels of RA patients were significantly higher than those of normal subjects (86.8 +/-54.1 ng/ml versus 38.6 +/-18.5 ng/ml, P<0.0001). The plasma levels were correlated with the disease activity of RA and also with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) values (P<0.01). The concentration of TRX in synovial fluid (SF) from RA was 353.3 +/- 220.1 ng/ml (mean +/- S.D.) which was significantly higher than that in SF from osteoarthritis patients (70.6 +/- 31.0 ng/ml, P<0.0001). The SF TRX concentration was significantly correlated with the number of leukocytes infiltrating in SF and with the serum CRP levels. The serum TRX levels were significantly positively correlated with the SF TRX concentrations in RA patients (P<0.05). By the histological examination for synovial tissue of RA patients, TRX was shown to be present on the surface of synovial lining layer as well as in the leukocytes.Moreover, urinary excretion of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage by endogenously generated oxygen radicals, was significantly higher in RA patients than in healthy subjects (11.55 +/- 4.71 versus 7.76 +/- 2.26 ng/mg creatinine, P<0.0001). Plasma TRX levels were significantly correlated with urinary excretion of 8-OHdG (P<0.005). We concluded that plasma TRX level is a new biomarker for the disease activity of RA and may reflect higher levels of oxidative stress in RA patients.
14677170 Do the clinical responses and complications following etanercept or infliximab therapy pre 2003 Nov OBJECTIVE: To study a group of 29 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have been treated with both tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha antagonists, etanercept and infliximab and to determine the correlation of responses and complications seen in these patients. METHODS: Patients' responses to and complications from either treatment were reviewed retrospectively by determining the joint counts, acute phase reactants, as well as occurrences of infection, hypersensitivity, and cytopenia. The correlation of responses and complications was determined using phi coefficients and exact p values. RESULTS: There was no correlation between the joint count responses (exact p value for correlation coefficient, 0.70) and acute phase reactant responses (exact p value 0.14) with the use of etanercept and infliximab in the same patient. There was no correlation between the occurrences of drug hypersensitivity reactions (exact p value 0.20) or infectious complications (exact p value 1.00). However, the occurrence of anemia with the use of one TNF-alpha antagonist was correlated with a similar occurrence with the use of the other antagonist (exact p value 0.007). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that patients who fail to respond to one TNF-alpha antagonist can respond to the other antagonist. Furthermore, there appears to be no contraindication to using one TNF-alpha antagonist for patients who have developed hypersensitivity reactions to the other. The infections observed in our study were generally mild and did not necessarily recur with the use of the second antagonist. In contrast, anemia, when present with the use of one agent, was likely to occur with the use of the second agent.
12236621 What are the risks of biologic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis? An update on safety. 2002 Sep The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) blockers infliximab and etanercept and the recombinant interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist anakinra are effective in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, information in the medical literature and public domain is used to consider the safety of these biologic agents. TNF-alpha inhibition with infliximab has been associated with reactivation of tuberculosis and possibly development of other opportunistic infections (histoplasmosis, listeriosis. and pneumocystis). Exacerbations of multiple sclerosis and other central nervous system events have been reported with etanercept and infliximab. Recently, a review of preliminary data from an ongoing phase II study suggests that infliximab may worsen congestive heart failure. On the basis of clinical trials, there appears to be a higher incidence of serious infections seen in anakinra patients compared with controls; the particular combination of anakinra and etanercept may be associated with a higher incidence of serious infections and clinically significant leukopenia. Additional data are needed to understand whether all these safety issues are unique to an individual biologic agent or representative of a class effect. At this time, treating physicians must carefully weigh the benefits of these new biologics against their risks, particularly in patients at risk of infection.
12090156 The relation between xerostomia and hyposalivation in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis o 2002 Aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between xerostomia and hyposalivation in 100 subjects with either rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia, and further, to evaluate the predictive value of xerostomia on hyposalivation. Unstimulated and chewing stimulated whole saliva was collected in the morning with the subjects in a strict fasting condition and then about 2 hours later, after intake of a standardised breakfast. All participants filled in a questionnaire, mainly dealing with xerostomia. Forty subjects demonstrated a pathological fasting unstimulated whole saliva secretion rate, the corresponding number for fasting stimulated secretion being 39. For unstimulated, but not for stimulated saliva, the fasting secretion rate was significantly lower than the non-fasting. Xerostomia was reported by 74 subjects, this group having significantly lower both unstimulated and stimulated secretion rates than the non-xerostomic group. On the individual level, the predictive value of xerostomia on hyposalivation showed high sensitivity but unsatisfactory specificity. In conclusion, this study underlines the importance of applying strictly standardised procedures when collecting saliva, and that fasting unstimulated whole saliva is the diagnostic salivary secretion of choice. Finally, xerostomia was found to predict hyposalivation on a group, but not on an individual level.
12575354 [Effect of 99Tc-MDP on cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patien 2002 Apr 28 OBJECTIVE: To study the immune mechanism of 99Tc-MDP in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In vitro, 99Tc-MDP was added to the cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from healthy subjects and RA patients. The levels of IL-1 and sIL-2R from PBMC affected by 99Tc-MDP were determined with enzyme linked immunosorbert assays (ELISA). RESULTS: The IL-1 production by PBMC of RA, either in the medium alone (spontaneously) or in the presence of lipopolysacchride (LPS) stimulation, was suppressed by 99Tc-MDP; and the sIL-2R by PBMC of RA, either in the medium alone (spontaneously) or in the presence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) induction, was inhibited by 99Tc-MDP. CONCLUSION: 99Tc-MDP acts on PBMC and a possible immune activity by 99Tc-MDP is related to the suppression of IL-1 and sIL-2R in RA patients.
12510358 [Methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in Japan--much more still remains 2002 Dec Methotrexate(MTX) is an antifolic agent and has been widely used for RA since early 1980s. Since 1999 when MTX was approved as an antirheumatic drug in Japan, patients taking MTX has been increasing and about sixty thousands patients are estimated to be taking MTX for the treatment of RA. The highest efficacy relative to toxicity of MTX is supported by the highest retention rate among current DMARDs. Therefore, most of rheumatologist places MTX as a golden standard of DMARD. Recent RCT data in European and North American countries showed that ACR 20 and 50 responses are ranging from 60 to 70% and from 40 to 50%, respectively. In these clinical trials, MTX was usually started at a dose of 7.5 mg weekly and then increased to 15-20 mg/week if the disease activity was still present since the clinical effect of MTX is related to the dose in the range 5 to 20 mg weekly. However, an upper limit of clinical dose of MTX (Rheumatrex) for RA is set to 8 mg weekly and this is a major problem because the majority of patients with active RA need higher doses for the suppression of arthritis. This matter needs an immediate solution. If MTX would be used aggressively for the early suppression of RA, informed consent regarding MTX dose and side effects including their earlier signs should be obtained, especially when patients are taking more than 8 mg weekly.
12126587 B lymphocyte stimulator protein levels in systemic lupus erythematosus and other diseases. 2002 Aug The size of the known members of the tumor necrosis factor ligand and receptor superfamilies has burgeoned in the past few years. Among the novel tumor necrosis factor ligand and receptor superfamily members recently described is B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS; Human Genome Sciences, Rockville, MD) protein. By virtue of its ability to promote B-cell survival, expansion, and differentiation, it likely plays an important contributory role in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis and propagation. In addition, it may play a similar role in other systemic immune-based rheumatic diseases, and becomes a legitimate candidate target for antagonist biologic agents.
14748270 [A new marker for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis: cyclic citrullinated peptide anti 2003 Oct Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, affecting about 1% of the world population. Rapid diagnosis and early treatment are important to control the progression of the disease. The most commonly used test for the serological diagnosis of suspected RA cases is the determination of rheumatoid factor (RF). RF is a sensitive but not very specific marker for RA. Of 40-60% RA patients also exhibit autoantibodies against epidermal flaggrin (RA keratin, anti-perinuclear antibody) in the serum. In the recent years, it has been shown that a rarely found amino acid citrulline, which is present in flaggrin, is a substantial component of the antigenic epitope. Enzyme immunoassays which use synthetic cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) as the target antigen, offer a useful alternative to indirect immunofluorescence methods. Antibodies against CCP are predominantly of class IgG and are of diagnostic importance as a new specific marker especially during the initial stages of RA. In this review, the value of anti-CCP for the serodiagnosis of RA has been discussed.
12620548 A novel RF coil configuration for in-vivo and ex-vivo imaging of arthritic rabbit knee joi 2003 Jan The purpose of this study was to design and build an optimized Radio Frequency (RF) coil configuration, that would facilitate the acquisition of high resolution 3-dimensional (3D) images of arthritic and normal rabbit knees. A surface coil transmit surface coil receive configuration was built, in order to ensure adequate B(1) homogeneity over the imaging volume and maximum filling factor, and hence to maximize the Signal to Noise ratio (SNR) and resolution of the 3-dimensional images. The two coils were passively decoupled using crossed diodes and lambda/4 lines, both during the transmit and receive phases of the imaging experiment. A specialized animal bed, to optimize the use of the coils and minimize the experiment setup time was designed and constructed. Three dimensional images of resolution 156 x 156 x 468 microm, were acquired in 20 min; the results, in terms both of the high resolution images and the ease with which the experimental setup could be reproduced, demonstrated that this configuration is ideal for imaging rabbit knee joints.