Platelet mitochondrial respiration and coenzyme Q10 could be used as new diagnostic strategy for mitochondrial dysfunction in rheumatoid diseases

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimunne disorder affecting both small and large synovial joints, leading to their destruction. Platelet biomarkers are involved in inflammation in RA patients. Increased circulating platelet counts in RA patients may contribute to platelet hyperactivity and thrombosis. In this pilot study we evaluated platelet mitochondrial bioenergy function, CoQ10 levels and oxidative stress in RA patients. Methods Twenty-one RA patients and 19 healthy volunteers participated in the study. High resolution respirometry (HRR) was used for analysis of platelet mitochondrial bioenergetics. CoQ10 was determined by HPLC method; TBARS were detected spectrophotometrically. Results Slight dysfunction in platelet mitochondrial respiration and reduced platelet CoQ10 levels were observed in RA patients compared with normal controls. Conclusions The observed decrease in platelet CoQ10 levels may lead to platelet mitochondrial dysfunction in RA diseases. Determination of platelet mitochondrial function and platelet CoQ10 levels could be used as new diagnostic strategies for mitochondrial bioenergetics in rheumatoid diseases.

OTOİMMÜN ROMATOİD HASTALIKLARDA OTOANTİKORLAR

The diagnosis of autoimmune rheumatoid diseases can be made by combining parameters consisting of clinical, histopathological, laboratory and immunological tests. Among these parameters, autoantibodies are of great benefit in differential diagnosis, especially for patients with unclear clinical data. Immunofluorescence, ELISA, immunodiffusion, immunoprecipitation and Western blot can be used to identify autoantibodies. While autoantibodies like antinukleer antibody, double stranded deoksiribonukleic asid and anti neutrophils antibody are detected by immunofluorescence as a golden standard test, Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody (CCP), antiphospholipid antibodies (anti-cardiolipid) are evaluated by ELISA and ENA group by immunoblot or western blot. Today the number of autoantibodies that can be detected is over 100. The indication of some of these autoantibodies are not known even today. The definition of antinuclear antibody group autoantibodies plays a crucial role for the diagnosis and treatment of systemic and organ-specific illnesses. With these methods, practical, fast and trustworthy results in clinical medicine and clinical immunology can be obtained.

Citrulline, Biomarker of Enterocyte Functional Mass and Dietary Supplement. Metabolism, Transport, and Current Evidence for Clinical Use

L-Citrulline is a non-essential but still important amino acid that is released from enterocytes. Because plasma levels are reduced in case of impaired intestinal function, it has become a biomarker to monitor intestinal integrity. Moreover, oxidative stress induces protein citrullination, and antibodies against anti-citrullinated proteins are useful to monitor rheumatoid diseases. Citrullinated histones, however, may even predict a worse outcome in cancer patients. Supplementation of citrulline is better tolerated compared to arginine and might be useful to slightly improve muscle strength or protein balance. The following article shall provide an overview of L-citrulline properties and functions, as well as the current evidence for its use as a biomarker or as a therapeutic supplement.

Coexistence of Giant Cell Arteritis with Aortitis and Sweet’s Syndrome: Is It a Coincidence?

Sweet’s syndrome (SS) is a rare disorder characterized by dermal infiltration by neutrophils. It has been reported in association with drugs, malignancies, infections, rheumatoid diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases. Its association with giant cell arteritis (GCA) hasn’t been reported to our knowledge. The diagnosis of GCA was based on inflammatory biological syndrome with aortitis with negative infectious investigations. Herein, we present an unusual case of SS associated with GCA treated with steroids with good outcomes.

The system of relationships to parents in children suffering from gastroenterological and rheumatoid diseases

The article examines the system of relations to parents (to father and mother) in children suffering from gastroenterological and rheumatoid diseases. The study of domestic authors on this issue is carried out in the framework of identifying the child’s attitude to the disease and the influence of parental attitude on the occurrence and course of the disease. Through the prism of the child’s attitude to parents, his perception of the family system of relations, the specificity of interaction in the triad “mother–child–father” is determined. The study involved 350 children aged 10–12 years, including 180 schoolchildren with gastroenterological diseases and 170 children with rheumatoid diseases. Research methods are conversation and questioning. Parents of children with gastroenterological diseases often conflict and transfer the conflict to the plane of relations with the child, involving him in a scandal. Mothers of children with rheumatoid diseases protect them from a strict father through tears and tantrums, which makes the child feel sorry for the mother and a great dislike for the father. Lack of attention and care, mainly of mothers, children with gastroenterological and rheumatoid diseases compensate through their illness.

Hydroxychloroquine-Induced Hyperpigmentation: A Case Report

Antimalarial agents, including chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, have been used for the treatment of various rheumatoid diseases and skin diseases because of their anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Cutaneous adverse effects such as exacerbation of psoriasis, pruritus, and hyperpigmentation have been reported as side-effects of antimalarial drugs. In this case, we report a middle-aged man with a history of rheumatoid arthritis who was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hydroxychloroquine. He complainedof hyperpigmentation of the face after one year of initiating the hydroxychloroquine. It was discontinued and methotrexate was started. Skin biopsy was confirmed drug reaction. Aftermore than 10 years of follow up, his skin discoloration had not been improved.