The erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GP) level and the
concentration of serum selenium were assessed in 20 patients with active
rheumatoid arthritis and their correlation with the disease activity were
studied. Mother 12 healthy persons, matched for age and sex were chosen
as a control group. All the patients were subjected to clinical assessment and
laboratory investigations, kinetic calorimetric assay showed a sty-war:int
decrease of erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase level in patients with RA as
compared to the controls. Also, atomic absorption spectrophotometric assay
of serum selenium showed a significant decrease in the patients with RA as
compared to the controls. Erythrocyte GP and serum selenium, showed a
negative significant correlation with the parameters of the disease activity
(morning stiffness, pain score, articular index and ESR.). From the previous
results we could conclude that, the decreased glutathione peroxidase activity
leads to the lack of antioxidative capacity of the glutathione peroxidase/
reductase system and this could have a pathogenic role in inflammation of
rheumatoid arthritis. |
