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ID PMID Title PublicationDate abstract
16889046 [An AA-amyloidosis course in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]. 2006 AIM: To characterize renal amyloidosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and stages of amyloid nephropathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The trial covered 30 patients (6 males and 24 females) with documented rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complicated with secondary AA-amyloidosis. Amyloidosis diagnosis was confirmed in all the patients morphologically, the samples were studied with the peroxidase immunohistochemical method using specific monoclonal antibodies to SAA. Clinical manifestations of RA were assessed by the disease activity, functional impairment of the joints, x-ray alterations, extraarticular signs of RA, etc. All the patients were examined clinically, total blood count and biochemical tests were made. RESULTS: In 23 (77%) of 30 examinees with RA, proteinuria as the first clinical symptom of AA-amyloidosis emerged with the first 15 years of RA. RA of the second-third degree of activity were diagnosed in 25 (83%) patients, 21 (70%) patients had apparent destructive changes in the joints (x-ray stage III-IV). Severe functional insufficiency of the joints was observed in 25 (83%) patients, deformation of the joints - in 27 (90%) patients. Clinically, renal amyloidosis was characterized by change of stages - from moderate proteinuria to nephrotic syndrome and renal failure. Prognosis of amyloid nephropathy in RA depends on duration of the proteinuric stage: if this stage is short (3 years maximum), the prognosis is worse than in its long duration. CONCLUSION: RA ranks first among causes of secondary AA-amyloidosis. Development of AA-amyloidosis in RA patients is most probable in the first 15 years of the course of the articular process. Amyloidosis is more frequent in patients with severe clinical manifestations of RA.
17009230 Disconnect between inflammation and joint destruction after treatment with etanercept plus 2006 Oct OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between disease activity and radiographic progression of joint destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with methotrexate (MTX), those treated with etanercept, and those treated with the combination of MTX plus etanercept. METHODS: Baseline, 12-month, and 24-month data from the Trial of Etanercept and Methotrexate with Radiographic and Patient Outcomes database were analyzed. The dependent variable was the 1-year change in the modified Sharp/van der Heijde score (Sharp score); therefore, 2 interval changes per patient were available. Interval change in the Sharp score was modeled by time (years), treatment, disease activity, and the interaction (disease activity x treatment). Disease activity was reflected by the time-averaged Disease Activity Score (taDAS) and the time-averaged C-reactive protein (taCRP) level, which were calculated per 1-year interval. Generalized mixed linear modeling (GMLM) was used to adjust for within-patient correlation. RESULTS: GMLM confirmed a significant interaction between treatment and the taCRP level and taDAS with respect to the change in Sharp score (P = 0.012 and P = 0.03, respectively). In patients treated with MTX alone, radiographic progression increased with an increasing taCRP level or taDAS, although progression rates were low in patients whose disease was in remission and in those with low-to-moderate disease activity. This relationship was less clear in patients treated with etanercept and was absent in those who received combination therapy. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with MTX plus etanercept uncouples the classic relationship between disease activity and radiographic progression in patients with RA.
17905634 Changes in bone mineral density in premenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis during a 2007 Oct OBJECTIVE: To ascertain changes in axial bone mineral in premenopausal women with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with and without prednisolone (PRED), we conducted a two-year follow-up study of axial bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC). METHODS: Premenopausal RA women (n=74) attending wards in the Rheumatism Foundation Hospital, Heinola, Finland were consecutively recruited for a follow-up study of BMD. BMD measurements in the lumbar spine and left proximal femur (femoral neck) were performed using dual X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and after two years. BMD is expressed as BMC per projectional area g/cm2. The Larsen score of 0-100 was assessed at the check-ups. Two RA groups were analyzed: patients receiving prednisolone (n=48), RA with PRED group and without prednisolone (n=26), RA without PRED group. The control group (n=43) comprised age-matched, premenopausal healthy women. RESULTS: The patients in the RA with PRED group had lower BMD values than those in the RA without PRED group at commencement of follow-up. The mean weight-adjusted BMD percentage change in the lumbar spine to two years was -1.5% in the RA with PRED group, +0.6% in the RA without PRED group and -0.6% among the controls; a significant difference (P=0.030) was found between the RA groups. The mean BMC percentage change to two years in the lumbar spine was -2.2% in the RA with PRED-group (P=0.003), +0.0 in the RA without PRED-group and -0.6% in the control group. Accordingly, the mean weight-adjusted BMD percentage change in the femoral neck to two years was -2.6% in the RA with PRED group, +0.4% in the RA without PRED group and -0.9% among the controls; the difference between the RA groups being again significant (P=0.049). The mean BMC percentage change to two years in the femoral neck was -1.9% (P=0.006), -0.4% and -0.8%, respectively. Mean BMD decreased significantly in both lumbar spine (P=0.002) and femoral neck (P<0.001) only in the RA with PRED group. However, in spite of statistical findings above, when BMD is expressed as BMC per projectional area there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in the change in BMC or projectional area in the lumbar spine or femoral neck. There was no significant correlation between the change in BMD in lumbar spine or femoral neck and the change in Larsen score among the RA groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that according to BMC, premenopausal RA women both with and without prednisolone treatment and controls lost bone statistically similarly. It seems that the role of RA itself in the multifactorial development of axial bone mass during the first decade of severe RA is not the most essential issue. We assume that this role will be less important with better treatment of RA than our patients received. The amount of bone loss during treatment with low-grade prednisolone remains controversial.
16284095 Hand bone loss in early undifferentiated arthritis: evaluating bone mineral density loss b 2006 Jun OBJECTIVES: (1) To examine the change in regional bone mineral density (BMD), including the hands, and assess its role as a predictor of outcome in patients presenting with an early undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis; (2) to examine for associations with the changes in hand BMD. METHODS: 74 patients with undifferentiated hand arthritis of less than 12 months' duration were examined at baseline and then at three, six, and 12 months follow up, including BMD measurement of the femoral neck, spine (L2-4), and the whole hands using dual energy absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS: During the study, 13 patients were diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis, 19 as having inflammatory non-rheumatoid joint disorders, and 42 as having non-inflammatory joint disorders. At the femoral neck and lumbar spine no significant bone loss was seen in any of the three subgroups. At the 12 months follow up the mean (95% confidence interval) hand BMD loss in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis was -4.27% (-1.41 to -7.13); in the inflammatory non-rheumatoid group, -0.49% (-1.33 to +0.35); and in the non-inflammatory joint disorder group, -0.87% (-1.51 to -0.23). In a multivariate linear regression model (including age, rheumatoid factor, mean C reactive protein, mean HAQ score, and cumulative glucocorticoid dose), only mean C reactive protein (p<0.001) and rheumatoid factor (p = 0.04) were independently associated with change in hand BMD during follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Hand DXA provides a very sensitive tool for measuring bone loss in early rheumatoid arthritis and may be useful in identifying patients at high risk of developing progressive disease. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of hand bone loss as a prognostic factor and outcome measure in rheumatoid arthritis.
17007293 [Impacted morsellized bone grafting in primary total hip arthroplasty for acetabular protr 2006 Jul Between 1991 and 2002, we performed 156 primary total hip replacements in rheumatoid arthritis patients with protrusion acetabulum. The deficient acetabulum was reconstructed with autologous and allogous morsellized bone grafts from the femoral head. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Group 1 were 26 patients with reconstruction acetabulum deficient with autologous morsellized bone grafts and group 2 were 10 patients in witch we use allogous grafts. All patients were reviewed at an average follow-up of 5 years. The function of operated hips was determining according WOMAC, HHS and Merle-d'Aubigne-Postela scores. Incorporation of grafts was assessing according to Avci criteria. RESULTS: We found similarly good and very good results in both groups. Incorporation of allo- and auto- bone grafts was observed after average 26 months. In 1 hip we found porotic grafts but without of loosening of the acetabular component. CONCLUSION: This technique is a good option in cases with protrusion acetabulum due to rheumatoid arthritis.
18853343 Targeting NF-kappaB: a promising molecular therapy in inflammatory arthritis. 2008 The nuclear factor-kappa B family of transcription factors is intimately involved in the regulation of the inflammatory responses that play a fundamental role in the damage of articular tissues. Thus, many studies have examined the important contributions of components of the NF-kappaB signaling pathways to the pathogenesis of various rheumatic diseases and their pharmacologic modulation. Currently available therapeutic agents including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, nutraceuticals, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, as well as novel specific small-molecule inhibitors have been employed. In addition, promising nucleic acid-based strategies have shown encouraging results. However, further research will be needed before NF-kappaB-aimed strategies become an effective therapy for inflammatory arthritis.
18807253 Rheumatoid cranial pachymeningitis successfully treated with long-term corticosteroid. 2009 Mar We report a 68-year-old man without clinical history of rheumatoid arthritis who presented with acute bilateral palsy of the IX and X cranial nerves secondary to pachymeningitis confirmed on cranial MRI. Rheumatoid factor in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid and anti-agalactosyl IgG antibody in serum were positive. The radiographs of hands and feet revealed signs of early rheumatism. The dural biopsy specimen showed chronic inflammation with infiltration of lymphocytes and histiocytes. A diagnosis of rheumatoid cranial pachymeningitis was made. Treatment with long-term corticosteroid was excellently effective.
17890133 Effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis a 2008 Jan The proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha seems to play a major role in the pathogenesis of both rheumatoid arthritis and primary biliary cirrhosis. We describe the case of a 46-year-old female patient with rheumatoid arthritis and concomitant primary biliary cirrhosis treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha agents. During infliximab treatment we observed a poor clinical response and persistence of liver function test abnormalities. After infliximab interruption the levels of alkaline phosphatase dropped and had nearly reached normal values when etanercept was started. This new therapeutic regimen was well tolerated with joint clinical improvement and normalization of alkaline phosphatase. This single case shows that etanercept therapy maintained liver enzymes within the normal range and controlled the arthritis with a 30-month follow-up whereas infliximab did not account for similar results.
18396672 [Study on the prevalence rate of rheumatoid arthritis in Zhuang nationality population fro 2007 Nov OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence rate of rheumatoid arthritis in Zhuang nationality population of Nanning, Guangxi. METHODS: A total of 7407 people with Zhuang nationality, aged 16 and over were surveyed. Questionnaire was administered to each subject under survey, while X-ray and serum rheumatoid factor were carried out to all those who gave positive answers. Physical examinations were done to the suspicious cases by experts on rheumatism. RESULTS: were compared with those in 6826 people of Han ethnicity living in the same district. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of rheumatoid arthritis in Zhuang nationality population was 0.27% when comparing to the Han population which was 0.28% (P > 0.05). Rates of awareness on rheumatoid arthritis in Zhuang and Han population were 5.0% and 10.5% (P > 0.05). After the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was made and among patients who had received the treatment, the rates were 0% vs. 5.25%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of rheumatoid arthritis in Zhuang nationality population of Nanning, Guangxi was not significantly different than that in Han ethnic group. However, the rates on awareness and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis were still under satisfaction.
17986352 Atherosclerotic disease is increased in recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis: a critical role 2007 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have increased mortality and morbidity as a result of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. What is not clear, however, is either how early accelerated atherosclerosis begins in RA or how soon risk factors must be rigorously controlled. Furthermore, given the strong relationship of vascular disease to RA mortality and of inflammation to the accelerated atherosclerosis associated with RA, it is important to evaluate indices that could serially and noninvasively quantify atherosclerotic disease in RA patients. The carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and plaque, measured by ultrasound, correlate closely with direct measurement of the local and systemic atherosclerotic burden. To investigate the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in the early stages of RA, the cIMT and plaque were measured using carotid duplex scanning in 40 RA patients with disease duration < 12 months and in 40 control subjects matched for age, sex and established cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with RA had significantly higher average cIMT values and more plaque than the control group (cIMT 0.64 +/- 0.13 mm versus 0.58 +/- 0.09 mm, respectively; P = 0.03). In RA patients, the cIMT was predicted by age and C-reactive protein level at first presentation to the clinic (R2 = 0.64). C-reactive protein was associated with age of disease onset and history of smoking. Since inflammation has been shown to predate onset of clinical RA, the accelerated atherogenic process related to inflammation may precede RA symptom onset.
17633468 [Changes of lymphocyte subsets in autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation for sev 2007 Jun OBJECTIVE: To investigate the dynamic changes of lymphocyte subsets before and after autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in severe/refractory autoimmune disease (AID) and study the post-transplantation immunological reconstitution in AID. METHODS: Thirteen patients with severe/refractory AID who registered for HSCT from April 2003 to April 2005 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, including 8 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 4 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 1 patient with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected before/after mobilization, before conditioning, and 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months post-transplantation. Lymphocyte subsets were tested by flow cytometry as follows: T cell (CD3 +), B cell (CD19 +), natural killer (CD3-CD16 + CD56 +), Th (CD3 + CD4 +), Tc (CD3 + CD8 +), naïve T (CD4 + CD45RA), memory T (CD4 + CD45RO), and CD4/CD8 ratio. RESULTS: Lymphocyte subsets for SLE patients were severely abnormal compared to normal or RA patients (both P < 0.01). B cell reconstituted to normal level within 18 months, meanwhile NK and T cell remained low. The repopulations of Th and naive T cell were delayed, which caused the up-side-down of CD4/CD8 ratio and low level of naYve T cell percentage for a relatively long time. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphocyte subsets abnormality in SLE patients are more severe than in RA patients. Although most autoimmune T/B cell in the grafts and patients can be effectively removed after transplantation, nonmyeloablative conditioning may be a risk for the relapse of AID. The long-term inhibition of CD4 + T cell may be related with the relief of AID after transplantation.
16541759 [Case of rheumatoid arthritis with various histological lesions of the kidney]. 2006 We experienced a case of rheumatoid arthritis with nephrotic syndrome. A renal biopsy specimen from this patient showed various renal histological changes. The patient was a 50-year-old man who was diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis in 1987. We performed a renal biopsy because he had persistent proteinuria from March in 2002. The renal biopsy specimen showed amyloid AA and P protein deposition in the glomeruli. Moreover mild mesangial proliferation was recognized. IgA-deposition in the mesangial area, and granular-deposition of IgG along the glomerular capillary wall were also observed. In electron microscopy, electron dense deposits were recognized in the mesangial area and subepithelium of the glomerular basement membrane. From these findings, we diagnosed amyloid nephropathy, IgA nephritis and membranous nephropathy. Renal biopsy of patients with RA is useful not only for precise diagnosis, but also for selection of the appropriate treatment.
17425385 Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (stromelysin 1) for monitoring synovitis in rhe 2007 Apr CONTEXT: Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) is expressed in synovial tissues and involved in cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: To study whether measurement of MMP-3 serum concentrations is useful to monitor the activity of rheumatoid synovitis. DESIGN: Levels of MMP-3 in serum and synovial tissue samples obtained from 29 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 20 osteoarthritis patients were measured by the 1-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay system. RESULTS: Levels of MMP-3 in the serum and synovial samples were significantly higher in rheumatoid arthritis than in osteoarthritis (P < .001), and the levels correlated directly with each other (r = 0.712, P < .001; N = 49). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated almost exclusive localization of MMP-3 to the lining cells in rheumatoid synovium. The immunoreactivity correlated directly with the scores of synovial inflammatory cell infiltration (r = 0.606, P < .001; n = 29) and the MMP-3 levels in the synovial tissues (r = 0.564, P = .001; n = 29) and those in the serum samples (r = 0.529, P = .003; n = 29) in rheumatoid arthritis. Levels of MMP-3 in rheumatoid serum samples dropped to low values at 1 and 2 weeks after total knee arthroplasty, while the levels of C-reactive protein increased at 1 week and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and counts of white blood cells and platelets were unchanged at 1 and 2 weeks postoperative. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that MMP-3 levels in the serum of rheumatoid arthritis patients correlate with the levels produced by the synovial lining cells and suggest that the activity of rheumatoid synovitis can be monitored by measuring serum levels of MMP-3.
19002473 [Evidence-based physiotherapeutic strategies for musculoskeletal pain]. 2008 Dec Inflammatory rheumatic disorders usually progress towards morphologic and functional deficits and thus cause substantial impairment of physical health. Amongst the therapeutic options physiotherapeutic strategies are essential and are often required to maintain the individual's quality of life. Because of the large variety of physiotherapeutical approaches, differentiated clinical examination is needed in order to implement physiotherapeutics in a treatment plan that is based on pathophysiologic and regeneration-specific aspects. The article presents a current overview of evidence-based physiotherapeutic strategies for musculoskeletal pain reduction in daily practice.
18359189 Determination of the minimal clinically important difference for seven fatigue measures in 2008 Jul OBJECTIVE: To estimate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of seven measures of fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study design based on interindividual comparisons was used. Six to eight subjects participated in a single meeting and completed seven fatigue questionnaires (nine sessions were organized and 61 subjects participated). After completion of the questionnaires, the subjects had five one-on-one 10-minute conversations with different people in the group to discuss their fatigue. After each conversation, each patient compared their fatigue to their conversational partners on a global rating. Ratings were compared to the scores of the fatigue measures to estimate the MCID. Both nonparametric and linear regression analyses were used. RESULTS: Nonparametric estimates for the MCID relative to "little more fatigue" tended to be smaller than those for "little less fatigue." The global MCIDs estimated by linear regression were: Fatigue Severity Scale, 20.2; Vitality scale of the MOS-SF36, 14.8; Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue, 18.7; Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, 16.6; Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, 15.9; Chalder Fatigue Scale, 9.9; 10-point numerical Rating Scale, 19.7, for normalized scores (0-100). The standardized MCIDs for the seven measures were roughly similar (0.67-0.76). CONCLUSION: These estimates of MCID will help to interpret changes observed in a fatigue score and will be critical in estimating sample size requirements.
17471832 [Rational therapeutic approach in rheumatoid arthritis]. 2006 The natural course of rheumatoid arthritis inevitably leads to joint damage and reduced life expectancy. Therefore, active treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is indispensable. Although the etiology still remains unknown resulting in unsuccessful prophylaxis and incurability of rheumatoid arthritis, learning more about its pathophysiology broadens the spectrum of therapeutic possibilities. The aim of treatment is remission of the disease. Current standards of treatment are based on the idea to start aggressive treatment as early as possible to suppress the activity of the disease. This can be achieved by pharmacotherapy and rehabilitation. Physiotherapy is supplementary but there is no room for spa treatment or alternative therapies. Treatment should be introduced immediately because the "window" for successful change in the natural course of the disease covers the first three months since onset. Diagnostic difficulties during this period support the idea of "early arthritis" and "early rheumatoid arthritis". Glycocorticosteroids at a dose suitable to suppress inflammation represent the first-line treatment. Basic therapy which usually is synonymous for methotrexate 15-25 mg once weekly should be introduced from the 4th month at the latest. In case of methotrexate intolerance, leflunomide is an alternative. Lack of efficacy of monotherapy with these drugs mandates the combination therapy of methotrexate with leflunomide, cyclosporine or sulphasalazine together with hydroxychlorochine. The use of two latter drugs should be limited due to their low efficacy. Patients refractory to combination therapy should be considered as candidates to anticytokine drugs or to lymphocyte B depleting drugs. However, it should be emphasized that their high efficacy is achieved only in combination with full doses of methotrexate. The same rules should be applied to therapeutic decisions in elderly patients and in patients with long history of rheumatoid arthritis. However, lower doses of the drugs should be used at initiation of therapy. Contraindications related to side effects and concomitant diseases should be considered. In these groups, glycocorticosteroids play a more important role and cyclophosphamide is used more frequently. Surgical treatment should be reserved for patients with advanced disease. Total joint replacement is an effective method for large joints. Synovectomy should be done only exceptionally when all options of pharmacotherapy were ineffective.
16881355 [An antidestructive effect of leflunomide in early rheumatoid arthritis]. 2006 AIM: To study effects of leflunomide on inflammatory and destructive processes in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The trial included 33 patients (27 females and 6 males) with a significant diagnosis of RA (A CR criteria) aged 19 to 60 years and duration of the disease from 6 months to 3 years (15.97 +/- 9.70 months). The activity of the inflammatory process and treatment efficacy were assessed by severity of the articular syndrome, duration of morning stiffness (DMS), pain and the disease activity (VAS), device examination, the disease activity by DAS28 indices, etc. The articular syndrome was assessed by the number of painful joints (NPJ), number of swollen joints (NSJ), etc. The functional status of the patient was evaluated by Keitel test, HAQ and hand grip. Calculations were made of erosive arthritis progression rate (EAPR) and joint fissure narrowing progression rate (FNPR). All the patients received leflunomide (100 mg/day for 3 days, then 20 mg/day). A 12-month course was finished by 14 patients, 4 patients were withdrawn because of side effects, the rest--by social causes. RESULTS: To the end of the trial leflunomide reduced NPJ by 84%, NSJ--by 95%, DMS--by 88%, articular pain by VAS--by 66%, the disease activity by VAS--by 70%. A positive trend in DAS28 criterium was observed (a significant suppression of RA activity after 1 month of therapy by 18%, after 4 months--by 39%, after 6 months--by 43%, by the end of the treatment--by 48%). For the initial 6 months EAPR was 0.50 +/- 0.67, for the following 6 months it lowered to 0.37 +/- 1.00, while FNPR decreased to 1.14 +/- 1.26 vs. 1.31 +/- 2 58 for initial 6 months. A positive change of the level of type 3 matrix metalloproteinase (a 20% and 16% by month 4 and to the end of the trial, respectively) was registered. CONCLUSION: A positive effect of leflunomide on RA inflammatory activity and progression rate of joint destruction was confirmed.
17929130 Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy increases serum adiponectin levels with the improvement 2007 Lower adiponectin levels in circulation are shown to be associated with endothelial dysfunction, which is a crucial feature in the evolution of atherosclerosis. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy on adiponectin levels with endothelial function and arterial stiffness. Fifteen Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) received infusions with infliximab (3 mg/kg) at weeks 0, 2, and 6. Serum concentrations of adiponectin, endothelial function, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured before each infusion. Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and endothelium-independent vasodilatation were evaluated as forearm blood flow response to reactive and nitroglycerin-induced hyperemia using strain-gauge plethysmography. Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was significantly improved at 2 weeks and 6 weeks by treatment with infliximab. PWV remained unchanged. Anti-TNF therapy significantly increased serum adiponectin levels at 2 weeks and 6 weeks. The adiponectin levels were positively correlated with the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, and negatively with the disease activity score of 28 joints. Our study shows a short-term efficacy of infliximab on adiponectin levels and endothelial dysfunction of patients with RA, and provides additional evidence to support the regulatory role of TNF-alpha on the expression of adiponectin in vivo.
16673133 HLA-DRB1 association in Saudi rheumatoid arthritis patients. 2006 Sep Association between HLA-DRB1 alleles and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been known for more than three decades. However, the strength of these links varies between ethnic groups. This study examines the frequency of HLA-DRB1 alleles amongst Saudi RA patients. The DRB1 region of major histocompatibility complex was screened by polymerase chain reaction/sequence specific primers (PCR/SSP) in a total of 140 subjects including 70 RA patients and 70 matched healthy controls. HLA-DRB1 *04 was found to be the most frequent allele associated with RA followed by DRB1 *08 and DRB1 *10. On the other hand, the frequency of DRB1*06 was found to be decreased in RA patients as compared to controls. Molecular sub typing of the most prevalent allele DRB1 *04 revealed a statistically significant association between RA and DRB1 *0405. We conclude that an improved understanding about the influence of HLA on RA might help in predicting the susceptibility or protection against disease.
16571284 Effect of Yangqixue Qufengshi Recipe on rheumatoid arthritis model mice under different ge 2006 Mar OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Yangqixue Qufengshi Recipe (YQXQFS) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model mice under different genetic backgrounds. METHODS: Collagen Induced Arthritis (CIA) were established on HLA-DR4 transgenic (TG) mice and non-transgenic (NTG) mice, which partly were raised with YQXQFS, and the onset day of CIA, the level of type II collagen (CII)-reactive antibodies and the pathological scores of CIA were assessed. RESULTS: Under HLA-DR4 TG background (compared with NTG mice), the earlier onset day of CIA (11.22 +/- 3.35 days vs 16.56 +/- 4.75 days, P < 0.05) and higher level of CII-reactive antibodies (0.2274 +/- 0.1390 microg/ml vs 0.1101 +/- 0.0560 microg/ml, P < 0.05) were observed, but the pathological scores of CIA remained unchanged. YQXQFS could not influence the onset day of CIA and the level of CII-reactive antibodies, but had a certain effect on the total pathological scores (6.56 +/- 3.43 scores vs 11.11 +/- 5.64 scores) and bone erosion (0.22 +/- 0.44 scores vs 1.67 +/- 1.50 scores) of CIA on NTG mice (P < 0.05), NTG YQXQFS group compared with NTG experimental group. CONCLUSION: YQXQFS had a certain effect on RA model, but had no significant effect on HLA-DR4 related CIA.