Mast cells, cytokines, and metalloproteinases at the rheumatoid lesion: dual immunolocalisation studies

Article Abstract:

Mast cells may play an important role in the inflammation process and the tissue damage that occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Mast cells are cells found in connective tissue that release chemicals in response to injury or infection. Researchers analyzed knee cartilage and synovial tissue samples taken from 35 patients with advanced RA and synovial tissue from 26 patients with early stage RA. They tested these samples for evidence of mast cells, proteins that induce tissue damage, and the cartilage degrading enzymes stimulated by these proteins. Areas of tissue damage contained the highest concentration of mast cell activity. Proteins that induce tissue damage, interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and a cartilage degrading enzyme, stromelysin-1, were present in many of the same locations as the mast cell activity.

Abnormalities, Cytokines, Cartilage, Mast cells

---

Synovial fluid concentrations of the C-propeptide of type II collagen correlate with body mass index in primary knee osteoarthritis

Article Abstract:

Patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who have a greater body mass index (BMI) may also be producing increasing amounts of joint cartilage. BMIs and joint fluid levels of a cartilage production marker called pro-collagen II C-propeptide were measured in 142 patients with knee OA. Pro-collagen II C-propeptide levels in this population were 3.7 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Reference values for healthy adults are 1.3 ng/mL. Increasing BMIs corresponded with increasing pro-collagen II C-propeptide levels.

Analysis, Measurement, Body size, Body weights and measures, Collagen, Synovial fluid

---

Matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in synovial fluids from patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis

Article Abstract:

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by high levels of matrix metalloproteinases and low levels of their natural inhibitors. These enzymes break down the extracellular matrix and excessive levels may destroy cartilage.

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: High-dose cytosine arabinoside and L-asparaginase therapy for poor-risk adult acute nonlymphocytic leukemia: a retrospective study
• Abstracts: Cervical cytologic abnormalities and papillomavirus in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Incidence of and risk factors for genital human papillomavirus infection in women drug users
• Abstracts: A prospective study of cholesterol, apolipoproteins, and the risk of myocardial infarction. A prospective study of plasma homocyst(e)ine and risk of myocardial infarction in U.S. physicians
• Abstracts: Microbiologic causes and neonatal outcomes associated with chorioamnion infection. The vaginal inflammatory milieu and the risk of the early premature preterm rupture of membranes
• Abstracts: Interleukin-6 in relation to other proinflammatory cytokines, chemotactic activity and neutrophil activation ion rheumatoid synovial fluid

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.