expression of osteopontin in synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: relation to high resolution ultrasound and disease activity

To demonstrate the expression of OPN in the synovial fluid of patients with RA and to correlate it with high resolution ultrasonographic [HRUS] findings and disease activity. This study was conducted on 30 RA patients and 20 patients with osteoarthritis [OA]. For RA patients, disease activity was assessed using the modified disease activity score [DAS]. For all patients, plasma and synovial fluid OPN concentrations were quantified using ELISA system. HRUS with B-mode ultrasound supplemented with power Doppler [PDUS] using standardized technique, was done for joints from which synovial fluid was obtained, then the cartilage thickness was measured, synovial thickening and bone erosions were recorded, and the resistive index was calculated. OPN levels were elevated in plasma and synovial fluid of RA patients. Comparison of OPN synovial fluid between RA and OA patients showed a highly significant statistical difference [p<0.001], being higher in the RA patients. OPN synovial fluid level in RA correlated significantly with disease activity score as well as with HR US findings. OPN levels were elevated in plasma and synovial fluid of RA patients. OPN level correlated significantly with disease activity, also with increased synovial thickness and bone erosions, as detected by HRUS. OPN could serve as a useful biochemical marker of RA

Assessment of serum levels of resistin and homa index in obese subjects: effect of weight loss programs on these levels and on body fat mass

To assess the serum levels of resistin and HOMA in obese subjects and to evaluate the association of resistin with insulin resistance [HOMA index]. Also to study the effect of weight loss programs on their levels and on body fat mass. Forty-five obese premenopausal females and fifteen healthy ones [serving as a control group] were included. Obese subjects were equally divided into 3 groups [A, B, C] according to the weight loss program. Group A were subjected to diet regimen, Group B to diet regimen and exercise program, and Group C to exercise program only. All studied groups were subjected to full clinical examination, assessment of BML WC, HC, WHR and laboratory investigations including serum resistin and HOMA index. Body fat content was measured by DEXA. Programs of weight loss were carried out for three months, followed by reassessment. There was a significant difference between obese subjects and controls regarding BMI, WC, HC, WHR, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Resistin, TB-FM, Trumk - FM, Leg-FM, Body fat percentage and HOMA index. A highly significant difference was found, in the three groups before and after weight loss regarding all parameters except for WHR which showed significant difference with group B only. Following weight loss, the comparison between the 3 groups together, revealed a significant difference between them with the greatest change being noticed in group B. Also a significant positive correlation was found between BMI and HOMA index. Resistin is believed to be a key factor for obesity, cardiovascular and type II diabetes. The combined program of diet regimen and exercise seems to be the optimal approach for prevention and management of obesity, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders