Synovial mast cell responses during clinical improvement in early rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

sThe distribution and type of mast cells in the synovial membranes of rheumatoid arthritic joints changes in response to reduced inflammation during clinical improvement. Mast cells contribute to local inflammatory reactions by releasing powerful chemotactic substances. Researchers analyzed synovial membrane samples from six arthritic patients as they improved with medical therapy. Prior to treatment, synovial membranes contained about 40 mast cells/cubic millimeter of tissue, and types containing only tryptase predominated. As the disease improved, mast cells became less responses, and subtype associated with inflammation became less predominant.

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Ceramide, a mediator of interleukin 1, tumour necrosis factor alpha, as well as Fas receptor signalling, induces apoptosis of rheumatoid arthritis synovial cells

Article Abstract:

Ceramide appears to induce cell death in synovial cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Ceramide is a membrane lipid which activates cell surface receptors, and can both promote and inhibit cell growth. Researchers cultured rheumatoid synovial cells and normal skin fibroblasts with ceramide, and found that ceramide causes the cells to become rounded and induces permanent changes in the nucleus leading to cell death. Since ceramide has the same effect on rheumatoid and normal cells, the physiological defects of the disease may involve other processes.

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Rheumatoid synovial endothelial cells secrete decreased levels of tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP1)

Article Abstract:

Cells in the synovial membranes of rheumatoid arthritic joints appear to secrete decreased levels of substance which suppresses blood vessel growth in the joint. Researchers compared synovium from joints with rheumatoid arthritis, normal joints, and human foreskin tissue. Rheumatoid synovium secreted less tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), an enzyme which facilitates the development of new blood vessels. Angiogenesis, or blood vessel growth, is excessive in rheumatic joints and contributes to joint destruction.

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