Evaluation of a quantitative scoring of enthesitis in ankylosing spondylitis.

Background: Enthesitis is inflammation at the insertion of ligaments, tendons, joint capsule, or fascia to bone, and a well-known characteristic feature of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and related spondyloarthropathies. The clinical evaluation of enthesitis is an important outcome measure and is scored by applying pressure on entheses to elicit tenderness at these sites.

Objective: This study assessed the validity of an enthesitis index calculated by algometric pressure pain threshold scoring in comparison with digital palpation scoring and intra- and interexaminer reliability of 2 grading methods of the Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES).

Role of antioxidant systems, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

In this study we assessed activities of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation end-products, and nitric oxide (NO) levels in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO). Relationship between oxidative stress parameters and NO levels with bone mineral density (BMD) and clinical variables influencing bone mass and health related quality of life measures was also investigated in women with PMO. Postmenopausal women (n=87), aged 40-65, without previous diagnosis or treatment for osteoporosis and independent in daily living activities were included.