Glutathione reductase activity correlates with concentration of extracellular matrix degradation products in synovial fluid from patients with joint diseases.

The mechanisms underlying cartilage matrix degradation in joint diseases is not fully understood but reactive oxygen species are implicated as main causative factors. Comparative studies of glutathione reductase (GR) activity in synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), reactive arthritis (ReA) and osteoarthritis (OA) as well as correlations between GR activity and concentration of the major cartilage components in synovial fluid are presented in this study. We found significantly higher activity of GR in RA (about three-fold) and ReA (about two-fold) than in OA.

[Molecular diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta type I].

Unlabelled: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is caused by mutations in collagen type I genes. In contrast to OI type II, III and IV where there are the structural mutations, in OI type I decreased production of normal collagen is due to the presence of a null allele. Because both pharmacological and gene therapy approaches depend on type of mutation and its consequences, quick and proper diagnosis is required.

Expression of MUC1 mucin in full-term pregnancy human placenta.

Purpose: MUC1 mucin is a component of glycocalyx in human endometrium and may play an important role in generation of "receptive window" at embryo implantation. Considering that MUC1 expression in human placenta is changed during pregnancy, and that MUC1 structure and function are not completely known in this organ, we have undertaken isolation of this mucin and detection of glycan epitopes, since they are crucial for its properties.

Material And Methods: Samples of human placenta were homogenized and MUC1 was extracted in different conditions with the use of ionic or non-ionic detergents.

[Activity of N-acetylo-beta-hexosamninidase in joint fluid from knee and serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis].

N-acetyl-beta-hexosoaminidase (Hex) is a lysosomal enzyme which releases N-acetylaminohexose from non reducing end of glycosaminoglycans, glycoproteins and glycolipids, taking part in degradation of these substances. It is not known what role Hex plays in the degradation of joints in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The aim of our work was evaluation of Hex activity in synovial fluid and serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Effect of cadmium on collagen content and solubility in rat bone.

The toxic action of cadmium in the bone tissue is known, but its mechanisms are still unexplained. We examined whether Cd influences collagen content and its solubility in the femoral bone of three-week-old female rats exposed to 5 or 50 mg Cd/l in drinking water. Non-cross linked collagen was extracted with 0.