Chemiluminescence of peripheral blood leukocytes and activity of an inflammatory process in juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA).

The oxidative metabolites have been implicated in the aetiology and pathology of rheumatoid arthritis. In our work we endeavoured to deal with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) ability to generate oxygen free radicals (OFRs). PMNLs metabolic activity was assessed by the means of chemiluminescence (CL) method. We observed significantly higher PMNLs metabolic activity in children suffering from JCA in comparison to the healthy group. Greater activity of the rheumatoid process was accompanied by an increased PMNLs activity. The results constitute another piece of evidence confirming the role of PMNLs in the pathogenesis of JCA.