Evidence for a promoter of urate crystal formation in gouty synovial fluid
Article Abstract:
Although hyperuricemia (high blood levels of uric acid) must occur in subjects before gout can develop, not everyone who has elevated levels of uric acid actually develop gout. In fact, the two conditions are poorly correlated, and other factors seem to influence the occurrence of gout in susceptible subjects. The principle step in the transition from asymptomatic hyperuricemia to painful gout appears to be the formation of crystals from uric acid. Crystal formation is dependent not only on uric acid levels, but also on substances that can promote or retard crystal nucleation (formation) and growth. Preliminary studies have suggested that gouty synovial fluid, in which uric acid crystals are found, may contain a promoter of crystal nucleation. To determine the strength of these observations, blood and synovial fluids from 12 patients with gout, 6 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 18 with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate arthropathy (CPPD, a calcium salt-linked joint disease), and 6 healthy control subjects were studied. Normal and gouty blood samples increased urate crystal formation, especially at low levels of the samples. All synovial fluid samples affected crystal formation, especially at low levels of synovial fluid. Gouty synovial fluid was significantly better at promoting crystal formation at both low and high levels, and this was not due to increasing uric acid supersaturation. There was no difference between synovial fluids from patients with rheumatoid arthritis or CPPD in effects on crystal formation. The study suggests that the presence of promoters (or lack of inhibitors) of uric acid crystal formation distinguishes subjects who develop gout. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1991
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Expression of adhesion molecules on synovial fluid and peripheral blood monocytes in patients with inflammatory joint disease and osteoarthritis
Article Abstract:
The authors examine and describe peripheral blood and joint fluids taken from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and reactive arthritis. Their purpose is to add to the body of data leading to understanding the particulars of the way in which inflammation develops and continues.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1999
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Expression of laminins and their integrin receptors in different conditions of synovial membrane and synovial membrane-like interface tissue
Article Abstract:
The authors discuss various physiological aspects concerning membranes in the joints following a total hip replacement.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1999
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