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A T cell receptor beta-chain variable region polymorphism associated with radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

Progression of rheumatoid arthritis may be slower in patients with the 2.0 kb allele of the T cell receptor beta-chain variable region (TCR-V-beta-8) gene. Different genetic factors may increase the risk of developing RA and affect progression of the disease. A study examined the distribution of the 2.0 kb and the 23.0 kb alleles of the TCR-V-beta-8 gene among 118 patients who had had RA for less than a year and in 110 healthy individuals. The distribution of the two alleles was the same in the patients and the healthy individuals. Disease progression was examined radiologically in 111 RA patients over a three-year period. Progression of the disease was slower in patients with the 2.0 kb allele than in those with the 23.0 kb allele.

T cells

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Purine enzyme activities in recent onset rheumatoid arthritis: are there differences between patients and healthy controls?

Article Abstract:

Purine enzyme activity does not seem to be an effective indicator of disease activity in new and untreated patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers compared the activity of various purine enzymes in 23 patients with newly identified rheumatoid arthritis and 28 healthy volunteers (control group). There was no significant difference in any of the purine enzyme activities between the patient and control groups. There was also no correlation between enzyme activity and disease progression. However, the activity of the enzyme 5'-nucleotidase was lower in younger patients and in males.

Measurement, Enzyme kinetics

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Reduced purine 5-prime-nucleotidase activity in lymphocytes of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: results of a pilot study

Article Abstract:

The impaired immune function of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be associated with reduced purine activity. SLE is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder. Researchers measured purine enzyme activity in white blood cell samples from 17 patients with SLE and 43 healthy volunteers. The activity of the 5-prime nucleotidase enzyme was more than 50% lower in blood cells from SLE patients than in those from healthy volunteers. Impaired enzyme activity may result in the accumulation of nucleotides and other substances that alter metabolic activity.

Netherlands, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Nucleotidases

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