Article Abstract:
The increased levels of pyridinoline (Pyr) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpyr) seen in urine from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) may reflect a turnover of these compounds during the disease process. Pyr and Dpyr are molecules that link collagen together in bone, cartilage, and joint fluid. Researchers compared Pyr and Dpyr levels in bone, cartilage, and joint fluid samples from 10 patients with RA and 10 patients with OA as well as joint fluid samples from 10 knee surgery patients (the control group). The Pyr to Dpyr ratio in all tissue samples was similar for patients with RA, OA and for the control group although the ratio tended to be higher in the patients with RA. The Dpyr levels in cartilage were higher in patients with OA than with RA. Pyr levels were 3 times higher than Dpyr in bone, 25 times higher in joint fluid, and 50 times higher in cartilage.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Rheumatoid arthritis patients with increased expression of the CD40 protein on T cells may have a poor prognosis. The presence of the CD40 protein on T cells means they are activated. The link between CD40 expression and prognosis was discovered in a study of 62 RA patients and 20 healthy volunteers.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis in their shoulder experience joint destruction in many areas of the joint. In a study of 74 patients, many developed erosion in the shoulder joint itself and also in the area where the collarbone joins the shoulder blade.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: