Association of Epstein-Barr virus with systemic lupus erythematosus: relation to disease activity and flare-ups

To determine the prevalence of IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies against Epstein Barr, virus capsid antigens [EBV-VCA] in systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] patients and to clarify their relation to disease activity and flare. The study comprised forty adults SLE patients; they were 35 females and 5 males, 'their ages ranged from 21-35 years [mean +/- SD 29.3 +/- 4.2] and forty normal subjects; 36 females and 4 males with a mean age value of 29.2 +/- 3.9 as a control group. Patients were subjected to thorough medical history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations, disease activity assessment and disease flare assessment within one year and detection of EBV IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies in the serum against EBV -VCA for patients and control groups. There was non significant difference as regards the prevalence of anti EBV IgG and IgM in both SLE patients and control groups. A significant difference of serum IgA antibody against EBV-VCA between SLE patients and control groups was found; 15/40 [37.5%] vs. 2/40 [5%]; p<0.001. The systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index [SLEDAI] score was significantly higher in the SLE patients with IgA antibody against EBV-VCA than in the SLE patients without IgA antibody [29 +/- 7.7 VS 23.4 +/- 3.2; p<0.001]. As regard the disease flare we found that the SLE patients with IgA antibody against EBV-VCA had higher prevalence of disease flare compared to those without IgA antibody 10 [66.7%] vs. 2 [8%], p<0.001. The close clinical data association between EBV infection and SLE suggests a possible role of the EBV as a trigger in the Pathogenesis, disease activity and flare of SLE patients. Further, studies should be done to elucidate the complex relationship between EBV infection and SLE patients

Relationship of disease severity to some biochemical markers of generalized osteoarthritis

To find out whether serum level of MMP-3, plasma level of TIMP-1 and urinary pyridinoline are specifically increased in generalized osteoarthritis [OA] or not. Also whether there is a relationship between those markers and the disease severity as detected clinically and radiologically. Thirty females suffering of generalized OA and 15 apparently healthy matched females as controls were studied. Serum MMP-3, plasma TIMP-1 and urinary pyridinoline were measured. The knee and hand joints were graded clinically [Steinbrocker] and radiologically [Kellgren and Lawrence]. Serum level of MMP-3, plasma level of TIM-1 and urinary pyridinoline were significantly higher in generalized OA patients than normal controls. The joint space width decreased with increasing Kellgren - Lawrence grade. All biochemical markers had negative correlations with the joint space width, but only urinary pyridinoline had a significant correlation. All biochemical markers had positive correlations with Steinbrocker grading. Some biochemical markers of OA may be of diagnostic value and a predictor for the severity of the disease in progressive generalized OA. The inhibition of their production and activity may decrease or delay the joint damage