Natural autoantibodies reactive with glycosaminoglycans in rheumatoid arthritis
2008

Natural Autoantibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sample size: 66 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): György Bence, Tóthfalusi László, Nagy György, Pásztói Mária, Géher Pál, Lörinc Zsolt, Polgár Anna, Rojkovich Bernadett, Ujfalussy Ilona, Poór Gyula, Pócza Péter, Wiener Zoltán, Misják Petra, Koncz Agnes, Falus András, Buzás Edit

Primary Institution: Semmelweis University

Hypothesis

This study examines the role of carbohydrate-reactive natural autoantibodies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Conclusion

The study suggests that GAG-specific natural autoantibodies may serve as novel disease-state markers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Anti-GAG antibodies were absent in umbilical cord sera but significantly elevated in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
  • Anti-chondroitin sulphate C IgM antibody levels showed inverse correlation with Disease Activity Score and C-reactive protein levels.
  • Anti-GAG antibodies showed significant cross-reactivity among different types of GAGs.

Takeaway

People with rheumatoid arthritis have special antibodies that can help doctors understand how active the disease is.

Methodology

The study used ELISA to measure antibodies reactive to six types of glycosaminoglycans in serum samples from rheumatoid arthritis patients, umbilical cord serum, and adult controls.

Limitations

The study does not establish a clear disease-specific carbohydrate recognition pattern for rheumatoid arthritis.

Participant Demographics

66 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (mean age 62.5 years; 52 females, 14 males) and 55 adult controls (mean age 59.7 years; 43 females, 11 males).

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/ar2507

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