Depressed levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis but no relation with axial bone density

Article Abstract:

Reduced blood levels of the sex hormone dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) may not affect bone density in postmenopausal women with from rheumatoid arthritis. Different sex hormones may be involved in the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis. A study examined the association between blood levels of different sex hormones and bone mineral density in the spine and proximal femur of 185 postmenopausal women between 45 and 65 years old with rheumatoid arthritis. Blood levels of DHEAS were lower than normal in all the women with rheumatoid arthritis, compared with 518 postmenopausal women between 45 and 65 years old without rheumatoid arthritis. Blood levels of estradiol and sex hormone binding globulin were similar in both groups of women. No association was found between blood levels of different sex hormones and bone mineral density in the women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Bones, Measurement, Bone density, Menopause, Postmenopausal women, Dehydroepiandrosterone

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Cartilage degradation by polymorphonuclear leucocytes: in vitro assessment of the pathogenic mechanisms

Article Abstract:

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs), or inflammatory cells, may break down cartilage in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects connective tissue, the structural or framework tissue of the body. A study examined the affect of activated PMNs on the loss of glycosaminoglycan, a substance found in connective tissue, from nasal cartilage. Loss of glycosaminoglycan increased significantly in the presence of PMNs. Glycosaminoglycan loss was caused by proteolytic enzymes, which degrade protein, rather than reactive forms of oxygen. High concentrations of PMNs are present at sites of chronic inflammation in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Activation of PMNs may cause the release of proteolytic enzymes that degrade cartilage.

Abnormalities, Neutrophils, Cartilage

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Protective effect of androgens against inflammation induced cartilage degradation in male rodents

Article Abstract:

Androgens, or male sex hormones, may protect against inflammation-induced cartilage degradation in male patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints. A study examined the effect of androgens, estradiol and progesterone on cartilage degradation in male rodents. Removal of the testes caused increased loss of cartilage in the presence of an inflammatory response. The female sex hormone estradiol increased cartilage loss in male rodents without testicles but not in those with testicles. Progesterone, another female sex hormone, had no effect on cartilage degradation. The development and progression of RA is much more severe in women than in men. This difference may be partially caused by the protective effect of male sex hormones.

Inflammation, Androgens, Connective tissue diseases

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