Feedback regulation of antibody production: a role in rheumatoid arthritis?

Article Abstract:

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), high blood levels of immunoglobulins (antibodies) and the production of autoantibodies (antibodies made against the body's tissues) indicate that the reactions for regulating antibody production are defective in this disease. Active production of antibodies by blood cells within joint tissue also suggest this. Much arthritis research has therefore centered on the function of T lymphocytes, or T cells, some of which enhance the production of antibodies by B lymphocytes. Some studies have found that the activity of suppressor T cells is impaired, particularly in joint tissues. However, another mechanism is likely to be as important, but is less well recognized or studied. This process, suppression of antibody production in response to accumulation of Fc, or negative feedback, may also affect other controlling reactions. (Fc is the common stem portion of antibodies. It does not carry the target recognition structure.) The exact way in which Fc suppresses antibody production is unclear, but it appears to interfere with B cell function. Factors produced by T cells may interfere with binding of Fc to B cells, thereby increasing antibody function; this may be needed during the normal immune response. Studies have established that Fc feedback inhibition of immunoglobulin synthesis is impaired in patients with RA. The duration of RA, rather than the RA disease process itself, appears to be linked to impaired Fc feedback suppression, and this is not always associated directly with changes in molecules on B cells. Other as yet unidentified molecular changes are likely to be involved. The significance of these changes in the overall regulation of the immune system in RA deserves further study. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Antibodies

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Dyslipidaemia and rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Rheumatologists should know their patients' lipid status as there may be connections between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cardiovascular disease. RA itself may contribute to atherosclerosis in an inflammatory aspect, and drugs used for treatment can affect cholesterol levels. The antimalarials chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine seem the most promising of drugs used to treat RA, and apparently reduce cholesterol and triglycerides significantly. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not seem to have any effect.

Prevention, Blood cholesterol, Atherosclerosis, Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, Antirheumatic agents

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