Changes in serum levels of soluble osteoclast-associated receptor in human rheumatoid arthritis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

ABSTRACT

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) is a member of the newly identified leukocyte receptor complex, and has recently been described as a key molecule in osteoclastogenesis. In this study, we measured the levels of soluble osteoclast-associated receptor (sOSCAR) in the serum of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy controls to examine whether sOSCAR may play a role in the process of inflammatory arthritis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of sOSCAR in the serum of 40 healthy controls and 40 RA patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The serum levels of sOSCAR were significantly lower in RA patients than in healthy controls, and were inversely associated with inflammatory activity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>sOSCAR is decreased in patients with RA and reduced levels of the protein are associated with increased inflammatory response.</p>