Serum levels of beta-trace protein and glomerular filtration rate--preliminary results.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of beta-trace protein (BTP), a low molecular weight (MW) protein, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR and serum levels of BTP, and for comparison creatinine (Creat), cystatin C (Cys) and beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M), were measured in 60 patients, with renal function ranging from normality to advanced renal failure. Serum levels of BTP progressively increased with the reduction of GFR.

Single infusion of neridronate (6-amino-1-hydroxyhexylidene-1,1-bisphosphonate) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: effects on disease activity and bone resorption markers.

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a single infusion of the bisphosphonate neridronate (N) on parameters of inflammation and bone resorption in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: Forty-five patients with active RA were randomly allocated on a double blind basis to receive a single intravenous infusion of either N 25 mg (15 patients), N 50 mg (15 patients), or placebo (15 patients). At baseline and after 7 and 21 days, we assessed the following: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and Ritchie's articular index as indices of disease activity; and urinary free deoxypyridinoline (DPyr), N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) and hydroxyproline (OHP) as indices of bone resorption.