Protective effect of astaxanthin on ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Objective: Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and fibrinoid necrosis of medium and small vessels, and its pathogenesis is closely related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Astaxanthin (ATX) is a carotenoid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. We hypothesized that ATX could play a role in AAV treatment.

Significance of serum peptidylarginine deiminase type 4 in ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of peptidylarginine deiminase type 4 (PAD4) in the pathogenesis of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). To make a primary observation on the relationship of chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis (CB) with the pathogenesis of AAV by PAD4.

Methods: The sera from 13 patients with AAV, 13 patients with CB, 11 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 11 patients with primary chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 12 normal controls were collected.