Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein - inflammation biomarker in knee osteoarthritis.

Chondrocytes and synovial cells synthesize Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) when activated by proinflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare ultrasound parameters of joint inflammation, effusion and synovitis with the levels of COMP in the serum of patients with primary osteoarthritis. Ultrasound was done and the concentration of COMP (ng/mL was examined in 88 patients.

[Detection of bone erosions in knee osteoarthrosis by serum biomarkers].

Introduction: Osteoarthrosis (OA) is a degenerative chronic disease characterized by destruction of joint articular cartilage and subchondral bone with formation of osteophytes and usuries on joint surface. Quantitative and dynamic changes in remodeling of joint tissue reflect matrix molecules that dismiss as fragments in joint liquid, blood and urine where they can be detected. Human cartilage glycoprotein (YKL-40) is synthesised by chondrocytes and synovial cells and plays a significant role in remodel tissue.

Efficacy and safety of once monthly ibandronate treatment in patients with reduced bone mineral density--ESTHER study.

Introduction: Osteoporosis usually affects post-menopausal women. Treatment is individualized and requires an approach that will provide long-term compliance to prevent fractures. Studies conducted so far suggest inadequate compliance and persistence in weekly bisphosphonate treatment (under 43% after a year of treatment).

[Arthrosonography and biomarkers in the evaluation of destructive knee cartilage osteoarthrosis].

Introduction: Knee osteoarthrosis (OA) is a degenerative disease with progressive loss of cartilage of joints and bone destruction. During this process, the release of fragments of connective tissue matrix is detected in the biological fluids such as human cartilage glycoprotein (YKL-40), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and collagen type I C terminal telopeptid (CTX-I).

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the degree of connection cartilage thickness measured by ultrasound with serum concentrations of biomarkers YKL-40, COMP and CTX-I in patients with primary knee OA.

Human cartilage glycoprotein 39--biomarker of joint damage in knee osteoarthritis.

Human glycoprotein of cartilage (YKL-40) synthesizes chondrocytes and synovial cells in inflammatory conditions or remodels the outer cell matrix in osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to conduct a parallel analysis between thickness of cartilage and length of osteophytes, ultrasound indicators of joint destruction, with levels of YKL-40 in serum in patients with primary osteoarthritis. Ultrasound findings and concentration of YKL-40(ng/ml) were examined in 88 patients.

Longitudinal study of 16 patients with Takayasu's arteritis: clinical features and therapeutic management.

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a rare vasculitis that affects the aorta and its primary branches. Heterogeneous clinical manifestations have been described in different geographical areas. We aimed to evaluate demographic, clinical, and angiographic features and the outcome in 16 TA patients who were followed in a single center in Serbia.

Refractory rapidly progressive Takayasu's arteritis successfully treated with surgery.

We describe a case of a patient with rapidly progressive Takayasu's arteritis (TA) refractory to conventional immunosuppressive therapy in whom bypass surgery was successfully performed. A 38-year-old woman had 2 years history of symptoms of compromised cerebral circulation, severe claudication of upper and lower limbs and stenocardial symptoms. Serial arteriography revealed occlusions of the right subclavian and right common iliac arteries and later on stenosis of the abdominal aorta and complete obliteration of the left subclavian artery.

[Therapeutic approach to progressive Takayasu's arteritis].

Background: Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a nonspecific autoimmune inflammation manifested with systemic large vessel vasculitis which affects predominantly the aorta and its main branches.

Case Report: We presented a 40-year-old woman with a two-year history of the symptoms of compromised circulation in the head, the neck, the upper extremities and the right leg, followed by claudications in the left leg, numbness in the left hand and stenocardia. Aortic arch angyography revealed occlusion of the right subclavian artery stenosis of the right vertebral artery (20-30%) and the right iliac artery.

Cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthrosis.

The aim of this research was to determine the clinical significance of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-12, IL-15 and IL-18 in evaluation of the activity of rheumatoid arthritis. Cytokine concentrations in serum samples and synovial fluid were measured by immunoenzymatic methods using kits for human interleukins and the Disease Activity Score 28 in 64 patients with active disease. The control group consisted of 25 subjects with arthritis of the knee and osteoarthrosis.

[Evaluation of the degree of clinical rheumatoid arthritis activity based on the concentrations of cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 in serum and synovial fluid].

Background/aim: Experimental in vitro and in vivo investigations in a mouse model have proved that TNF-alpha, IL12, IL-15 and IL18 participate in the pathogenesis of erosive inflammatory arthritis. The aim of this research was to determine the clinical significance of cytokines in the evaluation of the activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Inside a 4-year period we followed-up 64 patients with RA as newly ocurred or in the phase of worsening.

Clinical significance of IL-18, IL-15, IL-12 and TNF-alpha measurement in rheumatoid arthritis.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical significance of serum (S) and synovial fluid (SF) interleukin (IL)-18, IL-15, IL-12 and the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) measurements in relation to laboratory and clinical measures of disease activity of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sixty-four patients with RA and 25 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) were included in this study. RA activity was determined using the Disease Activity Score (DAS) 28 index.