Human epidermal growth factor for the stratification of synovial lining layer and neovascularisation in rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease affecting the entire body, and is characterized by inflammation of the joints and related structures that may result in crippling deformities. Stratification (formation of layers in the synovial membrane lining the joint) and bone loss in the joint are early signs of rheumatoid arthritis. The causes of these changes are not known. The human epidermal growth factor (hEGF), a protein needed for cell growth, was shown to increase bone resorption (dissolution) and bind to specific membrane sites in the bone. This factor was detected in the synovial lining of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other joint disorders, including osteoarthritis and traumatic joints. The amount of hEGF was greater in rheumatoid synovial lining and increased with extent of layering of this membrane. The factor was detected within the fibroblast-like type B cells of the joint, but was seen only on the surface of the macrophage-like type A cells of the joint. The amount of hEGF correlated with development of new blood vessels within the joint; hEGF was also identified within the lymphocytes, a type of immune cell. These findings show that hEGF is produced and released from type B cells of the joint; hEGF is also involved in the layering of the rheumatoid synovial lining and blood vessel formation within the joint, but is not associated with the accumulation of lymphocytes within the joint. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Growth factors

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Molecular and cellular mechanisms of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis: two cellular mechanisms explain joint destruction?

Article Abstract:

Joint destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be caused by different molecular and cellular mechanisms. RA is an inflammatory disorder that affects the joints. T cells, a type of immune cell, may play an important role in the development and progression of RA. Increased levels of certain types of T cells may be found in synovial fluid from the joints of RA patients. This may be caused by exposure to superantigens from certain types of bacteria. These T cells may react with collagen type II, the protein component of the white fibers found in bone and cartilage. Rheumatoid factors (RF) are autoantibodies that also attack collagen type II. RFs are found in the blood and synovial fluid of most RA patients. The proliferation of abnormal synovial cells may also contribute to the development and progression of RA.

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Microsatellite analysis in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts

Article Abstract:

Microsatellite instability (MSI) does not appear to be involved in joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. MSI is a change in the length of simple, repetitive gene sequences. By contrast, a study of 20 RA patients found elevated levels of DNA repair enzymes, indicating a high degree of DNA damage.

Health aspects, DNA damage, Inflammation, Synovial membranes, Synovial membrane

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