Redox Status in Women with Rheumathoid Arthritis

The aim of this study was to assess oxidative status and to set baseline characteristics for female population with established rheumatoid arthritis. Total of 42 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 48 age- and sex-matched controls were included in the study. Clinical examination was performed and assessed disease activity. Peripheral blood samples were used for all the assays. The markers of oxidative stress were assessed, including plasma levels of index of lipid peroxidation – thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion radical, nitrites and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione levels as anti-oxidant parameters. In the patients group, levels of hydrogen peroxide and index of lipid peroxidation were higher than in controls. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis had decreased su-peroxide dismutase and catalase activity compared to healthy subjects. Interestingly, controls had higher levels of nitrites compared to patients. Patients showed a marked increase in reactive oxygen species formation and lipid peroxidation as well as decrease in the activity of antioxidant defense system leading to oxidative stress which may contribute to tissue and cartilage damage and hence to the chronicity of the disease.