A tale of two functions: C-reactive protein complement-ary structures and their role in rheumatoid arthritis.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory biomarker with associated clinical utility in a wide number of inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The interaction of CRP with pro-inflammatory cytokines has been explored before, however its role in complement regulation is more subtle, where CRP is capable of both up and downregulating the complement cascade. CRP is produced in a pentameric form and can dissociate to a monomeric form in circulation which has significant implications for its ability to interact with receptors and binding partners.

Evaluation of serum beta-endorphin and substance P in knee osteoarthritis patients treated by laser acupuncture.

Background Laser acupuncture is one of the complementary modalities used for treating osteoarthritis. The study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of laser acupuncture in the treatment of grade 2 knee osteoarthritis. Patients and methods Forty patients having bilateral knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups (20 patients in each group).

Effect of Acupuncture on Body Weight Reduction and Inflammatory Mediators in Egyptian Obese Patients.

Aim: Aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of body acupuncture on body weight loss, routine laboratory tests and pro-inflammatory markers.

Methodology: The study was performed on eighty obese patients. They were divided into three groups according to their body mass index.

Scalp acupuncture effect on language development in children with autism: a pilot study.

Background And Objectives: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in delays in social interaction, language used in social communication, and symbolic or imaginative play, with an onset prior to age 3 years. Language therapy (LT) for children with autism is the main form of rehabilitation, because it emphasizes its major presenting symptom (i.e.