Variation of serum hyaluronan with activity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Purpose: Serum hyaluronan (HA) was evaluated for diurnal variation in participants with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Methods: Twenty participants with radiographic OA of at least one knee were admitted overnight to the General Clinical Research Center for serial serum sampling. Serum was obtained between 6:00 p.

B lymphocytes and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease characterized by B cell hyperactivity in association with autoantibodies, most prominently those directed to components of the cell nucleus. The source of the antigens that drive B cell responses in SLE is unknown, although recent studies suggest mechanisms by which the self-antigens become immunogenic and stimulate responses. Among these mechanisms, abnormalities in the generation of apoptotic cells or their clearance may increase the availability of nuclear antigens to drive responses.

Informed consent in a clinical trial of a novel treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To evaluate the informed consent process for a clinical trial of intravenous doxycycline for rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire about the consent process at baseline and 16 weeks following enrollment in a clinical trial.

Results: Respondents (n = 30) affirmed voluntary participation in the parent trial.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists for the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonists have rapidly emerged as a valuable class of antirheumatic agents. Etanercept, a dimerized version of the soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II, and infliximab, a chimeric anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody, are currently approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on their proven beneficial effects in clinical trials. New insights into the role of TNF-alpha in disease pathogenesis have expanded our understanding about the possible mechanisms by which these agents reduce synovial inflammation and inhibit bone and cartilage degradation.