ABSTRACT
Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that features the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints. Cartilage is a protein substance that serves as a [cushion] between the bones of the joints. Among the over 100 different types of arthritis conditions, osteoarthritis is the most common, affecting over 25 million people in the United States. Osteoarthritis occurs more frequently as we age. Osteoarthritis is abbreviated as OA or referred to as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease [DJD] Osteoarthritis commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. Osteoarthritis usually has no known cause and is referred to as primary osteoarthritis. When the cause of the osteoarthritis is known, the condition is referred to as secondary osteoarthritis. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the association between the levels of Interleukin-8 and some antioxidant in patients with OA. This study was performed during the period from April 2010 to February 2011, and included 50 patients with OA according to the American College of Rheumatology ACR 1990; their age range from 40-60 years with mean age of 46.66 +/- 2.83 years. These patients were matched by age and sex to 25 healthy control subjects with the mean age of 48.32 +/- 2.92 years. Blood samples were taken from each individual and separated for the estimation of IL-8 and some antioxidants levels using enzyme - liked immunosorbent assay [ElIZA] technique and colorimetric method. The laboratory tests were done in Teaching Laboratories of the Medical City and the Department of Physiological Chemistry / College of Medicine University of Baghdad. The level of IL-8 and Ceruloplasmin [CP] in serum of patients with OA was significantly higher than in serum of healthy control while the level of Glutathione [GSH] and S.uric acid in serum of OA patients was significantly higher than healthy control and there is no significant difference in level of serum albumin between the patients and control. It is clear from this study that there is a relationship between the levels of IL-8, CP, GSH, and S.uric acid concentrations and OA while there is no relationship between S.albumin concentration and OA disease
ABSTRACT
Fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] is a chronic musculoskeletal syndrome; almost invariably, symptoms persist at 5-and 10-year follow-ups. The degree of functional impairment is similar to that seen in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide [anti-CCP] antibody testing is particularly useful in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, with high specificity, in the early disease process, with the ability to identify patients who are likely to have severe disease and irreversible damage. CRP is a member of the class of acute-phase reactants that its levels rise dramatically during inflammatory processes occurring in the body. The main objective of this study is to determine the frequency of anti CCP-in patients with FM and the association of anti-CCP level with C-RP. This study included 60 patients with FMS according to the ACR 1990 criteria. Their age range was 20-60 years. These patients were then matched by age and sex to 30 healthy control persons with mean age 42.81 +/- 2.16 years. The mean values of ACCP antibodies concentration in serum of patients with FMS were no significant difference as compared to the level in serum of healthy controls [p>0.05], while the mean values of C-RP concentration in serum of patients with FMS were significantly increased than the level in serum of healthy control [p< 0.05]. It is clear from this study that there is no relationship between the levels of ACCP concentration and FMS while C-RP concentration in patients with FMS may be a good indicator to evaluate this disease
ABSTRACT
Fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] is a chronic musculoskeletal syndrome; almost invariably, symptoms persist at 5- and 10-year follow-ups. Several studies reported the importance of trace elements on the immune system. It plays an important role in physiological processes that are crucial for normal functioning of the immune system. Fibromyalgia could be the result of an over-active immune system, the immune system works to protect the body by attacking bacteria, viruses, and other foreign cells. When over-active, the immune system can cause severe inflammation and pain. The main objective of this study is the association between the levels of Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium and Copper in patients with FMS. This study was performed during the period from April 2009 to February 2010, and included 60 patients with FMS according to the ACR 1990 criteria, these criteria, a history of widespread pain has been present for at least three months affecting all four quadrants of the body, i.e., both sides, and above and below the waist, and there are 18 designated possible tender or trigger points. During diagnosis, four kilograms-force [39 newtons] of force is exerted at each of the 18 points; the patient must feel pain at 11 or more of these points for fibromyalgia to be considered. Four kilograms of force is about the amount of pressure required to blanch the thumbnail when applying pressure. Their age range was from 20-60 with the mean age of 39.95 +/- 1.10 years. These patients were matched by age and sex to 30 healthy control subjects with the mean age 42.81 +/- 2.16 years. Blood samples were taken from each individual and separated for the estimation of Mg, Zn, Ca and Cu levels using atomic absorption technique. The laboratory tests were done in Teaching Laboratories of the Medical City and the Department of Physiological Chemistry / College of Medicine University of Baghdad. The level of Mg, Zn and Ca in serum of patients with FMS was significantly lower than in serum of healthy control while the level of Cu in serum of FMS patients was significantly higher than healthy control. Levels of Mg, Zn, Ca concentrations in serum of patients with FMS were significantly lower than healthy control subjects, while Cu concentration in patients with FMS was significantly higher than healthy control subjects and levels of Mg, Zn, Ca and Cu may be a good indicator to evaluate this disease