Usefulness of Serum Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein as a Disease Activity Biomarker in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Our study aimed to investigate whether serum leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG) levels are elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, we assessed their correlation with disease activity parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Our study included 69 patients with RA and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and LRG were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum LRG concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with RA compared with those in healthy controls (30.8+/-14.4 vs. 22.2+/-6.1 ng/mL; P or =2.6) were significantly higher than those in remission (DAS28<2.6) (36.45+/-14.36 vs. 24.63+/-8.81 ng/mL; P<0.001). Our findings suggest that serum LRG could contribute to the inflammatory process independent of TNF-alpha and it may be a novel biomarker for assessing inflammatory activity in patients with RA.

Usefulness of Serum Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein as a Disease Activity Biomarker in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Our study aimed to investigate whether serum leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG) levels are elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, we assessed their correlation with disease activity parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Our study included 69 patients with RA and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum concentrations of TNF-alpha and LRG were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum LRG concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with RA compared with those in healthy controls (30.8+/-14.4 vs. 22.2+/-6.1 ng/mL; P or =2.6) were significantly higher than those in remission (DAS28<2.6) (36.45+/-14.36 vs. 24.63+/-8.81 ng/mL; P<0.001). Our findings suggest that serum LRG could contribute to the inflammatory process independent of TNF-alpha and it may be a novel biomarker for assessing inflammatory activity in patients with RA.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of some biochemical markers in early knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis [OA]; the most common joint disease, is not only characterized by cartilage destruction; but also by alteration of bone and synovial tissue metabolism, though their relative importance in the initiation and progression of OA is still debated. To identify patients with a high risk for destructive OA, more sensitive techniques than plain X-rays are needed. To study the diagnostic and prognostic value of some biochemical markers serum hyaluronic acid [HA] and serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein [COMP], high sensitive C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] in the included patients had early OA knees and their relation to disease progression. Sixty patients had early knee OA and 20 control subjects were included. WOMAC index, laboratory investigations [COMP, HA, hs-CRP] and radiological evaluation [Kellgren and Lawrence grading scale and Thomas compartmental score] were performed for each patient at baseline and after one year. HA was significantly higher in patients than controls [p > 0.001] with the highest specificity and positive predictive value. It was significantly correlated with COMP at baseline and after one year [p = 0.01]. The levels of HA at baseline correlated with its levels after one year [p > 0.001]. It also correlated with K-L grading score [p = 0.02]. COMP was significantly higher in patients than controls [p > 0.001]. It was significantly correlated with Thomas score after one year [p = 0.007]. Baseline levels of COMP correlated significantly with its levels after one year [p = 0.005]. The differences of the serum levels of hs-CRP at the baseline evaluation and after one year between patients and controls were not statistically significant [p = 0.4, 0.5, respectively]. The measurements of HA and COMP may be of diagnostic and prognostic value in differentiating patients with early joint destruction and in determining disease progression. A single biochemical marker has definitive diagnostic value and the combination with other biochemical markers as well as with clinical and radiographic data would most likely help to improve the clinical assessment of patients. Serum hs-CRP is not a good predictor of individual patient progression and has a poor sensitivity and specificity

Effect of Combined Sex Hormone Replacement on Bone/Cartilage Turnover in a Murine Model of Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND: Estrogens act on estrogen receptors distributed in articular cartilages, synovial membrane, and ligaments, which are thought to be related with degenerative changes. Meanwhile, progesterone is known to have a weak anabolic action on bone formation This study evaluates the effects of estrogen and progesterone hormone on bone/cartilage turnover in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. METHODS: Thirty-five 7-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups and then ovariectomized bilaterally except the sham control group. The first and the second group acting as controls did not receive hormonal therapy, the third group received estrogen, the fourth group received progesterone, and the fifth group received combination of both hormones 10 weeks after surgery. Evaluations were done using the serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) for cartilage turnover, collagen type I C-telopeptide (CTX-1) and osteocalcin (OC) for bone turnover at 11, 15, 19 weeks after OVX and histology using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage histopathology assessment system. RESULTS: Significantly less cartilage degradation (decreased levels of COMP) was found in the combined hormone treated group in comparison with OVX group. Similarly, both hormonal treatment resulted in increased bone formation and decreased bone resorption i.e., a low overall bone turnover status (decrease in the serum OC and CTX-1 levels). CONCLUSIONS: Combined estrogen and progesterone therapy was found to be convincing in terms of reducing the severity of OA in this experimental model.

Serum COMP and their correlations with various disease parameters in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and osteoarthritis

The cartilage oligomeric matrix protein [COMP] is a glycoprotein, which occurs mainly in an articular cartilage. The amount of this protein increases under the influence of cytokines and growth factors. As a result of various diseases that cause damage to cartilage, fragments of matrix protein are released into synovial fluid and then into blood. The assessment of matrix protein level in serum, for example COMP, permits the establishment of the degree of cartilage damage in inflammatory joint diseases, and permits observation of the effectiveness of the treatment. To assess serum COMP level, as a marker for cartilage degradation, in SLE and OA patients and to find a correlation between serum COMP level and other markers as well as activity of disease, disease duration and the age of the patients. Blood was collected from 40 systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] patients group I, [the patients were further subdivided into two subgroups, group [Ia] comprised 20 SLE patients received 1 g IV methylprednisolone [MP] daily for three successive days, group [Ib] comprised 20 SLE patients did not receive IV methylprednisolone [MP]], and from 20 patients with knee osteoarthritis [OA] group II who constituted the control group. Serum COMP level was determined using an inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. The measured values of the serum COMP level in SLE patients ranged from 1.32 to 1.71 microg/ml with a mean of 1.51 +/- 0.13 microg/ml in group [Ia], and ranged from 2.43 to 3.56 microg/ml with a mean of 2.86 +/- 0.31 microg/ml in group [Ib]. While in OA group [II] the value of serum COMP ranged from 0.97 to 2.65 microg/ml with a mean of 1.25 +/- 0.37 microg/ml. We found significantly elevated COMP levels in the SLE group [Ib] compared to the SLE group [Ia] patients and OA group [II] [p < 0.001]. We found a statistically significant positive correlations with the number of tender joints [correlation coefficient Pearson's: r = 0.45, p < 0.01], the number of swollen joints [r = 0.55, p < 0.001], SLAM value [r = 0.56, p < 0.001]. A significant positive correlation was found between serum COMP level and the ESR value in the first hour [r = 0.35, p < 0.001]. While the serum COMP level was independent of the patients' age [r = 0.04, p = NS], disease duration [r = -0.03, p = NS] and morning stiffness duration [r = -0.05, p = NS]. Also a Negative correlation was found between the serum COMP level and haemoglobin value [r = -0.11, p = NS]. As regards the OA group, no correlation was found between the serum COMP level and patients' age [r = -0.05, p = NS] and disease duration [r = 0.24, p = NS]. There were positive correlations between serum COMP and WOMAC index score for the lower limbs [r = 0.64, p < 0.05]. The serum COMP level can be an important marker of disease activity and cartilage destruction in SLE and OA Patients, and that serum levels of COMP can be used as a parameter for monitoring the therapy response in SLE patients undergoing an intravenous bolus steroid therapy

The efficacy of YKL-40 and CA125 as biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer

Our objective was to estimate the efficacy of the measurement of serum YKL-40 alone or with CA125 as biomarkers for the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) using the YKL-40 ELISA kit. An experimental group of 49 ovarian cancer patients included 42 patients with EOC (53 ± 15 years, range: 19-81 years) and 7 patients (48 ± 13 years, range: 29-36 years) with borderline epithelial ovarian tumor. A control group of 88 non-malignant cases included 42 patients (43 ± 10 years, range: 26-77 years) with benign gynecological disease and 46 healthy women (45 ± 14 years, range: 30-68 years) at a teaching hospital. Both YKL-40 (220.1 ± 94.1 vs 61.6 ± 48.4 and 50.1 ± 41.2 ng/mL) and CA125 (524.9 ± 972.5 vs 13.4 ± 7.6 and 28.5 ± 29.6 U/mL) levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients with ovarian cancer compared to the healthy and non-malignant groups. YKL-40 had 92.9 percent sensitivity and 94.4 percent specificity for the diagnosis of EOC. When YKL-40 and CA125 were tested in parallel, the sensitivity was increased to 98.2 percent, but the specificity was decreased to 81.3 percent. The correlations between serum YKL-40 and tumor stage, grade histology, performance status, patient age, and extension of debulking surgery were tested. With increasing stage and grade of EOC, preoperative serum YKL-40 levels were significantly increased (P = 0.029, P = 0.05, respectively). Serum YKL-40 alone or with serum CA125 levels are useful, although with some limitations, to diagnose ovarian cancer. Our study showed that YKL-40 may not be an independent prognostic factor for ovarian cancer. This prospective study may be a new trend in looking for biomarkers that optimize diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Serum levels of hyaluronic acid [HA] and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein [COMP] as predictors of disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis

To measure the serum concentrations of specific cartilage and bone molecules reflecting tissue turnover to investigate disease activity. The study included 30 rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients with age range 42 - 66 years. Sixteen patients had rapid erosive disease and fourteen had slow erosive, compared with 20 matched apparently healthy volunteers. All studied individuals were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination and laboratory investigations including measurement of serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein [COMP], hyaluronic acid [HA], high sensitive C- reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] and RF concentration as well as measurement of activity of RA by disease activity score [DAS] 28 joint counts. The study showed a significantly higher values of COMP, HA, CRP and ESR in slow erosive [p<0.001] and rapid erosive [p<0.0001] RA patients when compared to controls. There were significantly higher values of COMP, HA, CRP and ESR in rapid erosive RA patients compared to slow erosive RA patients. A significant positive correlation between serum levels of COMP and HA and age, disease duration, Larsen score, DAS and CRP and ESR was found. Also there was a significant positive correlation between serum levels of COMP and HA [r = 0.674, p<0.01]. It could be concluded that the measurement of some serological biomarkers that reflect bone and cartilage destruction in RA patients, could be used to investigate disease activity and increase the knowledge of the basic pathophysiology of joint disease

Serum YKL-40 in rheumatoid arthritis and its correlation with disease activity

To determine the serum level of YKL-40 in rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients and to find out its correlation with the disease activity. The study was conducted on 20 RA patients recruited from the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department of Ain Shams University Hospitals, as well as 10 apparently healthy individuals who served as a control group. Patients with liver disease, myocardial infarction or malignancies were excluded. Also patients taking slow-acting drugs or had intra-articular injections in the previous month before the study were not included. All the patients and the controls were subjected to complete history taking, thorough clinical examination, radiological and laboratory tests. Serum YKL-40 level was measured in the patients and the controls using ELISA test. Serum YKL-40 level was significantly higher in RA patients as compared to the control group. Serum YKL-40 level showed a positive significant correlation with the disease duration, the parameters of disease activity in RA patients and with the disease severity as assessed with Larsen's radiological score. Measurement of serum YKL-40 level in RA patients is a laboratory test that can be used as a new parameter other than the conventional markers of inflammation, which are ESR and serum CRP level. Also, it helps to asses the disease activity as well as the progression and the destructive effect of the disease on the joints

Glycoproteomic analysis of plasma from patients with atopic dermatitis: CD5L and ApoE as potential biomarkers

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disorder that is both uncomfortable and distressing to patients, and its prevalence has been steadily increasing. It is obvious that the identification of efficient markers of AD in plasma would offer the possibility of effective diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies. In this study, a proteomic approach was used to analyze plasma glycoproteins from both children with AD and healthy child donors. Several protein spots showing significant quantitative changes in the AD patients were identified. Through sequential studies, it was confirmed that CD5L and ApoE were significantly up-regulated or down-regulated, respectively, in the plasma from AD patients compared with that from healthy donors. In addition, we suggest that the up-regulated CD5L in AD patients causes eosinophilia by inhibiting apoptosis or promoting the proliferation of eosinophils either in combination with or without IL-5. The glycoproteomic data in this study provides clues to understanding the mechanism of atopic alterations in plasma and suggests AD-related proteins can be used as candidate markers for AD.

Assessment of stanniocalcin-1 mRNA as a molecular marker for micrometastases of breast cancer

Very few tumor molecular markers have been identified that are highly specific for breast cancer cells when applied to blood. Stanniocalcin [STC]-1 is a recently discovered human gene that has been implicated in cellular calcium homeostasis and is located on chromosome 8p in a region associated with amplification of breast cancer. We investigated STC-1 mRNA as a molecular marker for detecting occult breast cancer cells in blood. Using real time PCR detection assay to assess for STC-1 mRNA expression, we evaluated the blood of 25 breast cancer patients with different stages [I-IV] according to American Joint Committee on Cancer, 7 patients with benign breast lumps as fibroadenomas and fibrocystic swelling, and 8 healthy women as control subjects. In this study there was blood STC-1 gene expression of the malignant group; the mean value of the STC-1 positive blood specimen [copies number] was 8103.1+491.0, without blood expression in the other two groups. Also, the results of this work showed that, 19 [76%] patients of 25 patients of cancer breast had detectable STC-1 mRNA [copies] in their blood, without detectable expression in the other 6 [24%], p<0.001 with significant increase of STC-1 copy numbers with progression of AJCC stages, P<0.001. Finally in this study, the presence of STC-1 mRNA in the blood significantly correlated with primary tumor size [P<0.001], the involved lymph nodes characteristics [P<0.001], the presence of distant metastasis [P<0.001] and the overall AJCC stage [P<0.001]. STC-1 mRNA assay may be a useful and sensitive molecular marker for breast cancer cases with different stages without expression in the normal blood cells. Also, the presence of breast cancer associated STC-1 mRNA in the blood cells correlated significantly with the primary clinico-pathological determinants of disease outcome

[Evaluation of correlation between fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin]

Fructosamine or glycated plasma proteins are used to assess the short term diabetes control. Fructosamine concentration dependends on blood glucose level, protein concentration and half-life of proteins. Some have reported that measuring fructosamine without considering protein concentration is of no value. To investigate the relation between fructosamine, albumin and total protein and also the effect of fructosamine correction on capacity of this assay to assess the glycemic condition. Fifty diabetic patients from diabetes center in Yazd [Iran] were selected. The levels of fructosmine, albumin and total protein were determined once a month for a duration of two months followed by measurement of glycated hemoglobin after two months. Fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin were measured by colorometric method based on nitro blue tetrazulium and ion exchange chromatography method, respectively. The correlation between glycated hemoglobin and fructosamine, fructosamine corrected with albumin and total protein were 0.941, 0.908 and 0.9 [P<0.001]. No correlation was found between fructosamine, albumin, and total protein. Mean of albumin and total proteins were 4.3 and 6.3 g/dl. Regarding our data, fructosamine correlation at normal range of albumin and total protein did not affect fructosamine capacity in assessing diabetes control and under such condition albumin and total protein showed no effect on fructosamine concentration

Frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with infectious diseases using three different ELISA methods

OBJETIVO: O ensaio de enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) para a pesquisa de anticorpos anticardiolipina (aCL) é o mais importante teste para o diagnóstico da síndrome antifosfolipídica (SAF). Entretanto esse teste também pode ser positivo em algumas doenças infecciosas. Tem sido sugerido que a detecção de anticorpos para uma mistura de fosfolípides ou para b2-glicoproteína I (b2-GP I) teria uma maior especificidade para a SAF que o teste de ELISA-padrão para aCL. O objetivo do presente estudo é comparar a especificidade de três testes para anticorpos antifosfolípides (aFL) em pacientes com doenças infecciosas. MÉTODOS: Anticorpos antifosfolípides foram pesquisados por três técnicas de ELISA, ou seja, o teste-padrão para aCL, o kit de ELISA APhL® e o teste para anti-b2-GP I em pacientes com doenças infecciosas, tais como sífilis (69), leptospirose (33) e Calazar (30). RESULTADOS: A freqüência de positividade de aFL da classe IgG em pacientes com sífilis, leptospirose e Calazar foi de 13/69 (19 por cento), 9/33 (27 por cento) e 2/30 (6 por cento), respectivamente, com o ELISA-padrão para aCL versus 1/69 (1,4 por cento), 0/33 (0 por cento) e 0/30 (0 por cento) com o kit de ELISA APhL®. A positividade do isotipo IgM foi de 10/69 (14 por cento), 4/33 (12 por cento) e 1/30 (3 por cento), respectivamente, com o ELISA-padrão para aCL, e 1/69 (1,4 por cento), 0/33 (0 por cento) e 0/30 (0 por cento) com o kit de ELISA APhL®. Anticorpos da classe IgG contra b2GPI foram detectados em 14/69 casos de sífilis (20 por cento), 6/33 casos de leptospirose (18 por cento) e 16/30 casos de Calazar (53 por cento). Assim, o kit de ELISA APhL® apresentou uma maior especificidade: 97 por cento (95 por cento CI: 92 por cento-99 por cento) comparado com 81 por cento (95 por cento CI: 74 por cento-87 por cento) para o teste de aCL-padrão e 72 por cento (95 por cento CI: 64 por cento-79 por cento) para o teste de anticorpos anti-b2 GPI. CONCLUSÕES: O kit de ELISA APhL® parece ser m...

con A purified hydatid glycoprotein fraction effectively diagnoses human hydatidosis

Diagnosis and quantification of Echinococcus granulosus in-fection in man and animal hosts are centralized to feasible con-trol this study included 93 serum sample, 25 sure positive hydatid cases confirmed surgically, 7 suspected cases diagnosed by indirect haemagglutination IHA and 41 cases other parasitic infection [15 S. mansoni, 8 fasciola, 7 Ascaris, 5 H. nana and 6 Ancylostoma] diagnosed by microscopic examination and were negative by ELISA and/or IHA for anti-hydatid antibody. Twen-ty negative serum samples served as healthy controls. Six types of hydatid fluid antigens [crude, host-free and Con-A purified] of human and camel origin were subjected to electrophoretic separ-ation [SDS-PAGE] and immunoblotting [EITB]. The anti-hydat-id IgG was detected in sera of the different groups for evalua-tion of sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic efficacy each type of antigens. Detection of circulating hydatid antigen [CAg] was performed using anti rabbit hyperimmune sera raised again-st Con-A purified either human or camel hydatid antigen. SDS-PGE revealed several bands ranging from 55-185- kDa with 10kD band shared by all antigens. The specific bands revealed by EITB for Con-A purified camel and human antigens were at 80, 110, 55, 110 kDa respectively. ELISA highest sensitivity [96.9%] was by using host-free Con-A purified glycoprotein fraction of human hydatied antigen. Highest specificity [98.4%] was reco-rded upon use of either Con-A purified camel or human antigen with 94.5% and 97.7 and diagnostic efficacy respectively. Detection of circulating antigen by polyclonal antibodies against Con-A purified human hydatid antigen revealed 91.8%specificity.

Beta2-glycoprotein I dependent anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss.

AIM: The present study was aimed to define the incidence of antiphospholipid antibodies of different types lupus anticoagulant (LAC), venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) and Beta2-glycoprotein I dependent anticardiolipin antibodies Beta2 I aCL) in our cohort of population experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) from Andhra Pradesh, South India. SETTING AND DESIGN: A referral case-control study at a tertiary centre over a period of 5 years. PARTICIPANTS: 150 couples experiencing 3 or more recurrent pregnancy losses with similar number of matched controls. MATERIAL AND METHODS: LAC activity was measured by the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) according to the method of Proctor and Rapaport with relevant modifications. VDRL analysis was performed by the kit method supplied by Ranbaxy Diagnostics Limited and Beta2 Glycoprotein I dependent anticardiolipin antibodies were estimated by ELISA kit (ORGen Tech, GmbH, Germany) with human Beta2 Glycoprotein I as co-factor. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test. RESULTS: LAC activity was found positive in 11 women (10.28%). The mean +/- SE Beta2 I aCL concentration in the study group was 14.53 (micro/ml) +/- 1.79 (range 0 to 90.4 micro/ml) which was higher than the control group with a mean +/- SE of 7.26 (micro/ml) +/- 0.40 (range 0 to 18 u/ml). The binding of the antibodies to the antigen was observed in 40.24% (n=33) of the cases compared to 6.09% (n=5) in controls. VDRL test was positive in 7(2.34%) individuals (3 couples and 1 male partner) and none among controls. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates the importance of antiphospholipid antibodies in women experiencing RPL and suggests the usefulness of screening for these antibodies as a mandatory routine for instituting efficient therapeutic regimens for a successful outcome of pregnancy.

Evaluation of glycoproteins as prognosticators in head and neck malignancy.

Although several serum glycoprotein assays have been conducted for identifying tumor markers and prognosticators of malignancies, presently assessment of effectiveness of treatment of these malignancies remains subjective and good and effective tumor markers and prognosticators of head and neck malignancies are yet to be identified. In our study, serum samples from forty patients with head and neck cancers who were divided into four groups of ten patients each on the basis of their clinical staging and serum samples from ten healthy individuals comprising the control group was taken and subjected to biochemical analysis of serum protein bound hexose, serum fucose, serum sialic acid levels before starting treatment of the cancers and after completion of the cancer treatment and compared with the levels of these serum glycoproteins amongst the control group. All the head and neck cancer patients showed elevated levels of the serum glycoproteins as compared to the control group. It was further noted that the increased levels of the serum glycoproteins correlated well with the clinical staging of the malignancies. Post-treatment levels of all the serum glycoproteins were decreased significantly but, only the serum sialic acid level in 6 out of 10 patients with stage-I malignancy returned to the base line levels as seen in the control group. Serum sialic acid levels showed very close correlation with tumor staging and maybe considered as a good tumor marker and prognosticator for detection of cancer and evaluation of effectiveness of treatment of head and neck malignancies.

The value of a single skin prick testing for specific IgE Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus to distinguish atopy from non-atopic asthmatic children in the tropics.

In a tropical setting, where the prevalence of house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) is high, we examined the advantage of a single battery of skin prick testing (SPT) for mite as a diagnostic tool by comparing the results of radio-allergo-sorbent-test (RAST) to distinguish allergic from non-allergic asthma in children. Fifty asthmatic children were enrolled in this study. After questioning the parents, SPT were carried out using house dust mite (D. pteronyssinus) and other 9 common aero-allergens and blood were taken for measuring the total IgE (PRIST) and specific IgE for mite (RAST). Dust was obtained from 14 asthmatic children's houses and mite counting was done under a high power microscope. With a daily temperature of 27.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C and a relative humidity of 80 +/- 1%, house dust mites were found in all samples; and 81% of the allergic asthmatic children had positive SPT for D. pteronyssinus. SPT for D. pteronyssinus had a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 52% using RAST as gold standard and there was a moderate positive correlation between the size of SPT wheals and RAST scores for D. pteronyssinus (r = 0.67 and p = 0.001). The findings of this study suggest that SPT for mites should be used as a screening test and positive SPT should be confirmed by RAST.

Effects of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism on serum glycoproteins in experimental rats.

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were induced in adult female Sprague Dawley rats by feeding 0.05% propylthiouracil and 0.0012% L-thyroxine in drinking water. Contents of protein-bound hexose, fucose, hexosamine and sialic acid in serum were estimated in experimental rats. The results showed an increase in the protein bound hexose, fucose, hexosamine and sialic acid levels in hypothyroid rats and decrease in hyperthyroid rats. The increased content of serum glycoproteins in hypothyroid rats might possibly have come from disruptions of membranes. Depleted glycoproteins in hyperthyroid animals might be due to increase in depolymerisations of glycoproteins and accelerated secretion of glycoproteins with urine.

Importance of glycoproteins in human cancer.

Usefulness of cell surface glycoprotein components as markers in early detection of cancer and in monitoring progress during treatment has been evaluated. Total sialic acid (TSA), lipid bound sialic acid (LSA) and seromucoid fractions (SF) have been compared in the sera of healthy human volunteers and patients at different stages of diagnosis and treatment of leukemia, cancer of breast, cervix, and oral cavity. The levels of TSA, LSA and SF are found to be increased in cancer and is proportionate with malignancy. Their levels show decline in patients who respond well to treatment and show increase in patients with recurrence of cancer even before any clinical evidence of recurrence is available. Changes have also been noted in the glycoprotein fractions and their ratios.

Degenerative joint disease: a new cartilage marker

The aim of the present study was to quantity COMP level in serum of patients with newly developed and late OA in attempt to the prognostic value of its serum measurement as a new cartilage marker. The study was carried out on thirty patients with OA diagnosed according to ARA criteria subdivided into 2 groups [IA and IB] representing early and late OA, and twenty healthy normal individuals as controls [II]. group IA, IB and II were subject to clinical evaluation, routine investigations and determination of serum Ca, phosphorus. uric acid, RF, and X-ray of the affected joints. COMP level estimation in serum was done to all patients and controls Serum concentration of COMP ranged from 1.53-2.1 microg/ml, 2.18-2.65 microg/ml, and -2.65 3.02 microg/ml in the control group, group IA and IB respectively. COMP serum levels is significantly increased in GIA and IB than control [p < 0001]. Also, the comparison is significant between IA and IB patients [p < 0.001] For uric acid, Ca, and phosphorus no difference could be demonstrated between IA and IB. Serum level of COMP is significantly higher in late OA, than early cases, yet both groups are higher than control. The determination of serum COMP may be tried as indicative of therapy in OA cases especially when using chondroprotective therapeutic agents