Three Case Reports of Rhupus Syndrome: An Overlap Syndrome of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

We present the clinical and serological characteristics of three patients with rhupus. The 3 patients with rhupus presented ACR criteria for SLE as well as for RA, ANA positive with a titer of 1/100 in all patients, and positive anti-DNA in 2 of the 3 patients, with the predominance of symmetrical polyarthritis. We found anti-CCP positivity and rheumatoid factor positivity and high titers in all patients, positive anti- anti-SSA in one patient, and positive anti- anti-Sm in one patient. Renal and liver function tests were normal in all patients. The 3 patients achieved clinical remission with DMARD treatment

Assessment of Thiol/Disulphide Homeostasis in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Our aim was to explore the thiol/disulphide homeostasis and the link with functional status in patients who have knee OA. Sixty knee OA patients and 50 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. We measured serum levels of native thiol, total thiol and disulphide. In order to measure the alterations in functional status such tests as the Western Ontario, MacMaster steoarthitis index (WOMAC), walking test and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were utilized. The total thiol levels were higher in the control group than the knee OA patients (P< 0.05). Disulphide and disulphide/total thiol levels were significantly lower when control group were compared to knee OA patients (P< 0.05).Activity pain was negatively associated with native thiol levels (P< 0.05), walking test scores were negatively correlated with the native thiol levels (P< 0.05) and positively correlated with disulphide levels (P< 0.05) in knee OA patients. In knee OA patients, no correlation was observed between thiol/disulphide parameters and WOMAC scores. Conclusion, thiol/disulphide homeostasis is impaired in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Disulphide level increased and thiol level decreased due to oxidative stress. Thiol/ disulphide homeostasis had not noticeable impact on the on functional status. Thiol/disulphide homeostasis may help to explain the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis

Assessment of Thiol/Disulphide Homeostasis in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

21-26Our aim was to explore the thiol/disulphide homeostasis and the link with functional status in patients who have knee OA. Sixty knee OA patients and 50 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. We measured serum levels of native thiol, total thiol and disulphide. In order to measure the alterations in functional status such tests as the Western Ontario, MacMaster Osteoarthitis index (WOMAC), walking test and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were utilized. The total thiol levels were higher in the control group than the knee OA patients (P0.05). Disulphide and disulphide/total thiol levels were significantly lower when control group were compared to knee OA patients (P0.05).Activity pain was negatively associated with native thiol levels (P0.05), walking test scores were negatively correlated with the native thiol levels (P0.05) and positively correlated with disulphide levels (P0.05) in knee OA patients. In knee OA patients, no correlation was observed between thiol/disulphide parameters and WOMAC scores. Conclusion, thiol/disulphide homeostasis is impaired in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Disulphide level increased and thiol level decreased due to oxidative stress. Thiol/ disulphide homeostasis had not noticeable impact on the on functional status. Thiol/disulphide homeostasis may help to explain the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis

Three Case Reports of Rhupus Syndrome: An Overlap Syndrome of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

We present the clinical and serological characteristics of three patients with rhupus. The 3 patients with rhupus presented ACR criteria for SLE as well as for RA, ANA positive with a titer of 1/100 in all patients, and positive anti-DNA in 2 of the 3 patients, with the predominance of symmetrical polyarthritis. We found anti-CCP positivity and rheumatoid factor positivity and high titers in all patients, positive anti- anti-SSA in one patient, and positive anti- anti-Sm in one patient. Renal and liver function tests were normal in all patients. The 3 patients achieved clinical remission with DMARD treatment

Short-term effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and ultrasound therapies on muscle architecture and functional capacity in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized study

Serdaroglu Beyazal, Munevver/0000-0001-5903-5708WOS: 000461036700006PubMed: 30514113Objective: To determine the effects of ultrasound therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) application on the muscle architecture and functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design: A randomized study. Subjects: A total of 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis. Interventions: Participants were randomized into one of the following two intervention groups, five days a week, for three weeks: the combination of NMES application, hot pack, and exercise therapy was applied to the NMES group. the combination of therapeutic ultrasound, hot pack and exercise therapy was applied to the ultrasound therapy group. Main measures: Subjects were evaluated for pain and functional capacity with the use of the visual analog pain scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and 15 meter walking test. the muscle architecture (muscle thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length) was assessed from vastus lateralis and quadriceps femoris muscles bilaterally by ultrasonography. Results: Two groups presented significant improvements in all outcome measures before and after treatment (P < 0.01). There were significant improvements in VAS rest pain (P < 0.05), VAS activity pain (P < 0.05), WOMAC pain (P < 0.05), WOMAC stiffness score (P < 0.05), and WOMAC physical function (P < 0.05) for the ultrasound therapy group in comparison to the NMES group. NMES group exhibited more increases in the muscle thickness and fascicle length values when compared to ultrasound therapy group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound therapy appears to be an effective treatment in reducing pain and improving functional capacity. NMES application has more effects on the muscle architecture

Relationship between galectin-3 level and disease activity in ankylosing spondylitis patients

Abstract Background and aims Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that chiefly affects the sacroiliac joints and the spine. Galectin-3, a chimera-type member of the galectin family, binds glycoconjugates containing N-acetyllactosamine. Galectins play a role in regulation of embryogenesis, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and immunity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serum galectin-3 level and its possible association with disease activity in AS patients. Forty five AS patients and 35 healthy controls enrolled in this study. All participants with a history of hyperlipidemia, liver, renal, hematological, familial thyroid, neoplastic, autoimmune infectious diseases and using anti-inflammatory drugs were excluded from the study. Serum galectin-3 levels concentration was measured using a commercial chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score–CRP (ASDAS-CRP) were used to evaluate disease activity in AS patients. Results Serum galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in AS patients compared to the control group (p = 0.04). A correlation was determined between the serum galectin-3 levels and BASDAI and ASDAS-CRP scores in the AS patients (r = 0.49, p < 0.001; r = 0.56, p < 0.001, respectively). In AS patients, serum galectin-3 levels were significantly related with CRP levels but were not related with ESR (r = 0.57, p < 0.001; r = 0.25, p = 0.09, respectively). Conclusions The serum galectin-3 levels were higher in AS patients and were correlated with disease activity. This study may be useful to reveal the role of galectin-3 in inflammation and to evaluate disease activity in AS patients

The Relationship Between Bone Formation and Functional Status in Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

WOS: 000346139300007Objective: the aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between bone formation and functional status in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Material and Methods: Sixty patients (range 45 to 65 years) diagnosed with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis and 30 age-and gender-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the subjects included in the study was measured from the lumbar vertebra and proximal femur. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and 24-hour urinary calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels were tested to assess bone metabolism. the functional status of patients was evaluated with the modified Oswestry disability index (mODI) and Swiss spinal stenosis questionnaire (SSSQ). Results: the mean age of the patient and control groups was different but not significant. No statistically significant difference was found between the patient and the control groups in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and 24-hour urinary Ca and P values. Mean BMD values measured from the lumbar vertebra and proximal femur were significantly lower in patients with LSS. in the patient group, the mean mODI score was 42.28 +/- 3.1. Mean SSSQ pain scale score was 3.34 +/- 0.2, whereas the mean functional status score was 2.35 +/- 0.2. There was no statistically significant relationship of mODI with bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels. the pain and functional status scales of the SSSQ had no significant correlation with bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Conclusion: in this study, we determined that LSS has a negative impact on the functional status of patients, does not influence bone metabolism, and decreases BMD

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the femoral cartilage thickness in patients with hypothyroidism

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hypothyroidism on femoral cartilage thickness by using ultrasound, which has been found to be useful in the early diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. [Subjects and Methods] Forty patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism and 30 age-, gender-, smoking status, physical activity-, and body mass index-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. The thickness of the femoral articular cartilage was measured using a 7- to 12-MHz linear probe. Three mid-point measurements were taken from each knee at the lateral condyle, intercondylar area, and medial condyle. [Results] Age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, and physical activity were similar between the groups, but patients with hypothyroidism had thinner femoral cartilage than the healthy controls at all measurement sites. Nonetheless, the differences were not statistically significant (except in the case of the left medial condyle). [Conclusion] Ultrasonographic measurement of femoral cartilage thickness may be useful in the early diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis in patients with hypothyroidism. © 2016 The Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc

The relationship between serum YKL-40 levels and arterial stiffness in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

WOS: 000405771400010PubMed: 27680106Objective: Serum YKL-40 plays roles in inflammatory and vascular processes. Our aim was to evaluate serum YKL-40 levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to investigate their potential relationship with arterial stiffness based on carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV). Methods: Forty-three patients with AS and 41 healthy controls with no history or current signs of cardiovascular disease were included in the study. All patients were administered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and none were prescribed anti-tumor necrosis factor agents. Serum YKL-40 levels were measured. CF-PWV and intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery (IMT-C) were evaluated. Results: the mean age of AS patients was 34.6 +/- 10.2 years and of controls was36.3 +/- 9.0 years. CF-PWV was significantly higher in AS patients than in controls (8.2 +/- 2.7 vs. 7.0 +/- 1.6 m/s, respectively; P=0.015). However, the IMT-C was not significantly different between AS patients and controls (0.6 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.5 +/- 0.2 mm, P=0.501). YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in AS patients than in controls (78.9 +/- 37.9 vs. 58.4 +/- 21.2 ng/mL, P=0.003) and were strongly correlated with CF-PWV (r=0.773, P<0.001) and IMT-C (r=0.548, P<0.001). A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that CF-PWV could be explained by serum YKL-40 levels and IMT-C (adjusted R-2 = 0.707, P=0.013 and P=0.001, respectively). AS patients with a higher disease activity score had higher YKL-40 levels, IMT-C, and CF-PWV than did those with a lower disease activity score (P<0.001, P=0.008, and P<0.001, respectively) Conclusion: AS patients had higher serum YKL-40 levels, CF-PWV, and IMT-C than did healthy controls. Additionally, there was an association between increased CF-PWV and serum YKL-40 levels. Therefore, we conclude that CF-PWV and YKL-40 levels may be used for early diagnosis of atherosclerosis in AS patients