Abnormal vitamin D3 metabolism in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome

Article Abstract:

Receptors, or binding sites, for the vitamin D3 metabolite, 1-alpha,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D3 (1-alpha,25-OH; 2D3) have been identified in monocytes and activated lymphocytes, which are types of white blood cells. Studies have shown that macrophages, a type of natural defense cell, in the lungs of patients with sarcoidosis, the widespread formation of granular lesions, are capable of 1-alpha-hydroxylation, a chemical reaction involving the conversion of 25-OHD3 to the active form, 1-alpha,25-(OH)2D3. Furthermore, normal human macrophages and monocytes can be activated to carry out this reaction. This active vitamin D3 metabolite is thought to control immune reactions, such as the development of monocytes and the production of the regulatory factor interleukin-2 and immune proteins called immunoglobulins (Ig). Primary Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease, which is a condition associated with altered immune function and the presence of abnormal immune proteins called autoantibodies that attack body tissues and cell components such as the nucleus. Patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome have increased blood levels of Ig, a variety of autoantibodies, and antibodies to elements of the cell nucleus. The metabolism of vitamin D3 was assessed in 35 patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome. The blood levels of 25-OHD3 were decreased, but levels of 1-alpha,25-(OH)2D3 were normal. The physical appearance and blood levels of the major binding protein for vitamin D3, called Gc globulin, were similar in patients with Sjogren's syndrome and normal subjects. Decreased 25-OHD3 levels were associated with elevated levels of the immunoglobulin M rheumatoid factor, an abnormal immune protein detected in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory joint disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Autoimmune diseases, Sjogren's syndrome, Vitamin D3

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Associations of HLA-DRB and -DQB genes with two and five year outcome in rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Genetic typing of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) does not seem to be useful in predicting disease severity. There does, however, seem to be an association between certain segments of the HLA-DR4 gene sequence and RA, including the third hypervariable region sequence (HVR3). Researchers followed the disease progression of 99 patients with RA (study group) for five years and genetically analyzed their blood samples as compared to 100 healthy volunteers (controls). Eighty-seven percent of the study group tested positive for the HVR3 gene segment while only half of the control group carried this sequence. There was no significant difference in disease progression or remission between genetic subtype groups. However, there was a tendency for patients carrying two copies of the HVR3 sequence to require more joint replacement surgery and have a more severe disease.

Genetic aspects, HLA class II antigens

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Prognostic laboratory markers of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

The relation between inflammation and joint damage in hands and feet of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is examined.

Sweden, Diagnosis

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