Alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme activities in rheumatoid arthritis: hepatobiliary enzyme dissociation and relation to disease activity
Article Abstract:
Measurement of blood levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzyme may reflect the amount of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints. A study measured the activity of ALP and other hepatobiliary enzymes in 288 RA patients. Hepatobiliary enzymes are different types of enzymes found in the liver and the bile or the bile ducts. Thirty-two percent of the patients had detectable blood levels of ALP activity. Patients with detectable blood levels of ALP activity had significantly higher levels of total ALP, liver ALP, bone ALP, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and leucine aminopeptidase. They also had significantly higher levels of immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1993
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Iron, lactoferrin and iron regulatory protein activity in the synovium; relative importance of iron loading and the inflammatory response
Article Abstract:
Lactoferrin from neutrophilic white blood cells appears to scavenge iron from synovial fluid in joints, a process which may be overwhelmed in rheumatoid arthritic joints. Free iron accumulation in rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions contributes to inflammation and tissue damage. Researchers examined synovial fluid from 25 patients with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, and found that 30% contained free iron. The lactoferrin level was lower in these joint fluid samples. The addition of lactoferrin to these synovial fluid samples reduced the amount of free iron present.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1998
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Angiotensin converting enzyme in human synovium: increased stromal [(super 125)I]351A binding in rheumatoid arthritis
Article Abstract:
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have increased amounts of angiotensin converting enzyme in their synovial fluid. This enzyme in turn produces angiotensin II, a substance that constricts blood vessels, causes cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and growth factor expression.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 2000
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