Cortisol and parathormone levels in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: relation to interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6

This study was designed to define the levels of cortisol and parathormone in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA] in relation to disease activity as well as to the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta [IL-l, beta] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]. Thirty six patients [26 females and 10 males; aged 6-12 years; mean 7.3 +/- 1.6 yr] as well as 18 apparently healthy controls were recruited into the study. Patients and controls were subjected to clinical examination and a comprehensive battery of investigations including a complete blood picture, ESR, CRP, serum levels of calcium. phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, IL-I beta, IL-6 as well as cortisol and parathyroid hormone [PTH]. Serum levels of IL-I, beta and IL-6 were significantly higher in JRA patients than those of the controls [p<0.001]. This rise was more evident in patients with an active disease. On the other hand, serum levels of both cortisol and FTH were significantly lower in patients compared to the controls [p<0.001]. Moreover, there were significant negative correlations between serum levels of both cortisol and PTH with IL-i, 6 and IL-6 as well as other parameters of disease activity [ESR and CRP] [p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively]. There was also a significant negative correlation between FTH only and serum calcium p<0.05]. Decreased serum values of both cortisol and FTH were demonstrated in the children suffering from JRA, especially those with a high disease activity. This hormonal status may indicate a disturbed homeostasis contributing to a more active disease

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies and cardiac involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus

To study anticardiolipin antibodies [aCL] in blood and clarify their possible relation to cardiac involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]. Twenty SLE patients and twelve healthy persons, as a control group, were included into this study. All patients were subjected to full clinical assessment and laboratory investigations. aCL antibodies IgG were measured in patients and controls using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] technique and their correlations with disease activity parameters were studied. SLE patients were divided according to the presence of aCL antibodies into two groups: first group of 9 patients with negative aCL antibodies and second of 11 patients with positive aCL antibodies. A highly statistically significant difference [p<0.001] was found between aCL antibodies IgG level in SLE patients vs. control group, A statistical significant difference was also observed [p<0.05] in aCL antibodies between both groups of SLE patients in relation to clinical data, laboratory data and disease activity. On echocardiography, there was a significant correlation [p<0.05] between the presence of aCL antibodies and the occurrence of mitral regurge in aCL positive patients, while there was no significant correlation with other echo parameters. There was an association between the presence of aCL antibodies and cardiac abnormalities in SLE patients on echocardiographic examination especially valvular lesions [regurgitation more than stenosis]. This suggests that aCL antibodies may play a role in the pathogenesis and the severity of cardiac lesions. Also; there was an association between echocardiographic changes as well as high serum levels of aCL antibodies with SLE disease activity