Beta-Carotene, Vitamin E, MDA, Glutathione Reductase and Arylesterase Activity Levels in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: Many studies have investigated the possible role of reactive oxygen species in the etiology and patho­gene­sis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate the activities of some antioxidants in RA patients.
Methods: In this case-control study, 59 RA patients and 60 healthy sex and age-matched controls were selected. Vitamin E and Beta-carotene were determined using HPLC. Erythrocytes glutathione reductase (GR) activity was meas­ured spec­trophotometrically, and malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined by colorimetric method. Aryles­terase activity (AEA) was measured by Phenylacetate. The clinical data were determined by a rheumatologist, medical history and filling the questionnaire by interview. Statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS software.
Results: In patients with RA, serum MDA level was significantly higher and plasma concentration of vitamin E, Beta-carotene and GR activity, were significantly lower than healthy control (P<0.001). AEA activity differences between two groups were non-significant.
Conclusions: Oxidative stress may play an important role in the inflammation and pathogenesis of RA.