muramidase and Arthritis--Rheumatoid

The aim of the study was to examine salivary flow rate, DMF index, lysozyme concentration and its output in two groups of rheumatoid patients and to compare the results with those of healthy controls.. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were divided into two study groups: with reduced salivary flow rate ≤0.15 ml/min (RA HS, hyposalivation) and with normal salivary secretion rate >0.2 ml/min (RA NS, normal salivation). The healthy control group (C) was recruited from the Department of Conservative Dentistry. Salivary lysozyme concentration was determined by radial immunodiffusion. ANOVA followed by LSD test were used for the statistical analysis.. We found that lysozyme concentration was higher and lysozyme output and salivary flow rate were statistically lower in the RA HS group in comparison to the RA NS and C groups. The DMF index was statistically higher in both RA groups in comparison to the control group.. RA disease impacts negatively on oral health and salivary parameters. Hyposalivation of RA patients increases the negative influence of RA on oral health. RA patients should receive more stomatological attention.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Oral Health; Saliva; Salivation

Developing T cells potentially directed against cryptic self determinants escape tolerance induction in the thymus and thereby enrich the T cell repertoire. Cryptic self peptides become expressed at inflammatory tissue sites which can lead to engagement of this repertoire, leading to induction and/or perpetuation of autoimmune reactivity. On the other hand, expression of cryptic self determinants on tumor cells can be useful in generating effective anti-tumor immunity. This self-directed T cell repertoire can also be activated silently to induce memory and participate unexpectedly in responses to foreign antigens and is responsible for molecular mimicry. Finally, peptides containing cryptic determinants can be utilized for peptide-based immunotherapy.

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Autoantigens; Autoimmunity; Cross Reactions; Haplotypes; Heat-Shock Proteins; Immune Tolerance; Major Histocompatibility Complex; Mice; Muramidase; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; T-Lymphocytes

The effects of auranofin on the function of neutrophil polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN) have been studied in vitro and in vivo. Preincubation of human PMN with auranofin (1-4 micrograms/ml) increased their adherence to nylon fibres and f-met-leu-phe-(fMLP) induced aggregation. PMN migration, phagocytosis, bactericidal capacity and phagocytosis-associated enzyme release were all significantly inhibited by auranofin in a dose-dependent way. Enzyme release stimulated by f-MLP, chemoluminescence and the release of superoxide anions all showed a biphasic response to preincubation with auranofin. They showed an increase at low concentrations and inhibition at high concentrations. In studies of 3H-fMLP binding auranofin did not affect receptor numbers but increased binding affinity. Auranofin at higher concentrations decreased phorbolmyristate acetate and fMLP induced changes in surface charge and membrane potential. In vivo, auranofin administered to rats, did not prevent either the neutropenia induced by zymosan-activated serum or the corresponding rise in plasma lactoferrin levels. PMNs from six rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with auranofin (6 mg/day) for 23 weeks showed changes in bactericidal activity, chemotaxis and chemiluminescence independent of the clinical response. Enzyme release, however, was reduced in PMNs from clinical responders and showed no change in non-responders.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Auranofin; Aurothioglucose; Cell Aggregation; Glucuronidase; Gold; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Kinetics; Lasalocid; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Phagocytosis; Rats

Topics: Analgesics; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Humans; Muramidase; Placebos

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease leading to considerable disability over time. The disease can be characterized by the presence of multiple autoantibodies in the serum and synovial fluid. Microbial dysbiosis is proposed to play a role in the pathogenesis of RA. Increased systemic bacterial exposure leads to elevated levels of antimicrobial response factors (ARFs) in the circulation. In the present study, we tested whether RA patients have increased levels of ARFs by analyzing the levels of multiple ARFs in serum from RA patients and healthy age and sex-matched controls. The levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14), lysozyme, and CXCL16 were significantly elevated in RA patients compared to healthy controls. Lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) levels remained unchanged in RA patients compared to healthy controls. A positive correlation of LBP with rheumatoid factor (RF) was also found in RA subjects. Interestingly, the levels of anti-endotoxin core antibodies (EndoCAb) IgM, total IgM, EndoCAb IgA, and total IgA were significantly elevated in RA patients compared to healthy controls. No significant changes in the levels of EndoCAb IgG and total IgG were observed in RA patients compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, lysozyme and CXCL16 levels were positively correlated with disease severity among RA subjects. Increases in the levels of several ARFs and their correlations with clinical indices suggest systemic microbial exposure in the RA cohort. Modulation of microbial exposure may play an important role in disease pathogenesis in individuals with RA.

Topics: Acute-Phase Proteins; Adult; Aged; Antibodies, Bacterial; Antibody Specificity; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Carrier Proteins; Case-Control Studies; Chemokine CXCL16; Dysbiosis; Endotoxins; Female; Humans; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors; Male; Membrane Glycoproteins; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Prospective Studies

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a disease that causes joint destruction and bone erosion, is related to osteoclast activity. RA is generally treated with methotrexate (MTX). In this study, a MTX-Alendronate (ALN) conjugate was synthesized and characterized. The conjugate dramatically inhibited osteoclast formation and bone resorption compared with MTX and ALN used alone or in combination. Due to the characteristics of ALN, the MTX-ALN conjugate can adhere to the exposed bone surface and enhance drug accumulation in the pathological region for targeted therapy against osteoclastogenesis. Additionally, MTX was rapidly released in the presence of lysozyme under mildly acidic conditions, similar to inflammatory tissue and osteoclast-surviving conditions, which contributes to inflammatory inhibition; this was confirmed by the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our study highlights the use of the MTX-ALN conjugate as a potential therapeutic approach for RA by targeting osteoclastogenesis.

Topics: Alendronate; Animals; Arthritis, Experimental; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Bone and Bones; Bone Resorption; Collagen; Cytokines; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Inflammation; Male; Methotrexate; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Muramidase; Osteoclasts; Osteogenesis; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Topics: Antibodies, Immobilized; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Dopamine; Electrochemical Techniques; Humans; Immunoassay; Limit of Detection; Metal Nanoparticles; Muramidase; Nanospheres; Silicon Dioxide; Zinc Oxide

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between complaints of xerostomia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with the total output of the salivary proteins of innate and adaptive immunity.. The salivary output and specific activity of peroxidase and specific contents of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) were determined in xerostomic RA patients, nonxerostomic RA patients, and healthy control subjects.. Compared with nonxerostomic RA and healthy control groups, xerostomic RA patients had significantly decreased output of saliva and protein, decreased peroxidase activity, and a significantly lower specific content of peroxidase and sIgA. Compared with the RA control group, xerostomic RA patients had significantly lower specific content of all salivary proteins examined.. The results indicate that xerostomia in patients with RA may be a harbinger of diminished saliva production regarding quantity and quality, and may be indicative of impairment of the salivary immune system of the oral cavity in xerostomic RA patients.

Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Adult; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Blood Sedimentation; C-Reactive Protein; Case-Control Studies; DMF Index; Female; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Immunoglobulin A, Secretory; Immunologic Factors; Lactoferrin; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Oral Hygiene Index; Periodontal Index; Peroxidases; Rheumatoid Factor; Saliva; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Secretory Rate; Xerostomia

Rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed in a 30-year-old woman with erythema nodosum and arthritic symptoms since 1994, and she was treated with anti-rheumatic agents. Mediastinal and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and abnormal pulmonary shadows were detected in 1996, and she was admitted to our hospital in 1997. We also recognized the elevation of ACE and lysozyme, and found granulomas in a transbronchial lung biopsy and an arthrosis synovia biopsy. From these findings, sarcoidosis was diagnosed. Sarcoidosis demonstrating erythema nodosum, arthritis, and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy is called Löfgren's syndrome. In Caucasians, Löfgren's syndrome is frequently encountered, but it is rare in Japanese. Our case had coexisting arthrosis symptoms, and satisfied the diagnosis criteria of rheumatic arthritis. Therefore, the differential diagnosis was important. We emphasize that it is necessary to consider Löfgren's syndrome when diagnosing patients with rheumatic features, even in Japan.

Topics: Adult; Arthritis; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Erythema Nodosum; Female; Humans; Lung; Lymphatic Diseases; Muramidase; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Sarcoidosis; Syndrome; Synovial Membrane; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Two almost-identical strains of Eubacterium aerofaciens isolated from the normal human gut flora were used. The cell wall (CW) of one strain with a peptidoglycan (PG) type A4alpha induces chronic arthritis in the rat after a single intraperitoneal injection, whereas CW of the other with PG type A4beta induces only a transient acute arthritis. The CW of the arthritogenic E. aerofaciens was a twofold-more-potent stimulator of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) than the nonarthritogenic CW. After degradation with mutanolysin, the capacity of the arthritogenic PG to stimulate production of TNF-alpha and MCP-1 was significantly increased, whereas that of the nonarthritogenic PG was significantly decreased. In other words, after enzyme degradation the arthritogenic PG had a four- to fivefold-stronger stimulatory capacity than that of the enzyme-treated nonarthritogenic PG. These findings indicate that the arthritogenicity of CW or a PG is not dependent on the enzyme resistance alone but also on how the PG fragments released by enzyme degradation stimulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines.

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Infectious; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Carbohydrate Sequence; Cell Wall; Chemokine CCL2; Digestive System; Endopeptidases; Eubacterium; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Liver; Macrophages, Peritoneal; Molecular Sequence Data; Muramic Acids; Muramidase; Peptidoglycan; Rats; Species Specificity; Spleen; Synovial Membrane; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

This investigation was designed to determine and compare the distribution pattern of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the presence or absence of periodontal disease.. Sera of 30 patients with SLE and 30 with RA were tested for ANCA utilizing an indirect enzyme immunosorbent assay (ELISA) directed to a neutrophil granular extract and 6 neutrophil granule proteins. A control group of 20 healthy individuals showing neither evidence of periodontal disease nor systemic compromise was also included in this study.. For RA, the number of ANCA-positive sera was very low but was evenly distributed among patients with and without periodontitis. Conversely, a high number of ANCA-positive sera in SLE was found mostly in individuals presenting periodontal compromise. A statistically significant association between ANCA and periodontitis in SLE patients was found (P <0.005, chi square test).. A marked difference in the number and distribution of ANCA with respect to periodontitis between RA and SLE was found. Hyperresponsiveness of B cells and polyclonal B activation to periodontopathic bacteria in SLE might be accountable for the high numbers of ANCA and the close association observed between those autoantibodies and periodontitis in SLE.

Topics: Adult; Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Autoantigens; B-Lymphocytes; Bacteria; Cathepsin G; Cathepsins; Chi-Square Distribution; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Lactoferrin; Leukocyte Elastase; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Myeloblastin; Neutrophils; Periodontitis; Peroxidase; Serine Endopeptidases

Estimate the contribution of monocytes/macrophages to the disease process in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), by measuring the serum levels of the leucocyte-derived granular proteins: lysozyme, myeloperoxidase (MPO), lactoferrin and human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL).. Serum levels of these granular proteins were measured in patients with RA (n=23) and in healthy controls (n=27), and in 10 patients with RA after treatment with low-dose prednisolone. The serum levels of the granular proteins were also measured before and after treatment with metyrapone, a substance that inhibits the synthesis of cortisol in the adrenals.. The serum levels of lysozyme and MPO were elevated in patients with RA, while the concentrations of lactoferrin and HNL were similar in both groups. Prednisolone treatment decreased the serum concentration of lysozyme and MPO. Metyrapone did not influence the level of the granular proteins measured.. The increased serum levels of lysozyme and MPO, but not of HNL and lactoferrin in RA could indicate a stimulated secretory activity of mononuclear phagocytes. The measurement of serum lysozyme, as an indicator of monocyte/macrophage activity, might be used to study disease activity in RA.

Topics: Acute-Phase Proteins; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Biomarkers; Carrier Proteins; Female; Humans; Lactoferrin; Lipocalin-2; Lipocalins; Macrophages; Male; Metyrapone; Middle Aged; Monocytes; Muramidase; Oncogene Proteins; Peroxidase; Prednisolone; Proto-Oncogene Proteins

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low-molecular-weight cytosolic proteins, which are thought to participate in metal homeostasis and protection against metal toxicity and oxidative stress. MT synthesis can be induced by a variety of inflammatory mediators and antirheumatic drugs, and high levels of MT have been implicated in resistance of cells to some antirheumatic drugs. We studied the expression and localization of MT in synovial tissue samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis or osteoarthritis (OA) by quantitative immunohistochemistry. Immunostaining for MT was detected in a large number of intimal lining cells in most of the investigated synovial tissue samples (75%). In a smaller proportion of samples (42%), some of the fibroblast-like cells of the subsynovial layer were also MT positive. Immunostaining and double-staining experiments with antibodies against monocyte-, macrophage- and leucocyte-associated antigens suggested that most of the MT-positive cells were intimal fibroblast-like cells and subsynovial fibroblasts. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the intensity of staining for MT between the rheumatic diseases and OA at the single-cell level. Thus, MT is expressed in synovial tissue and may participate in homeostatic and protective functions. The interindividual variability in the expression of MT in synovial tissue may be related to the therapeutic efficacy of the gold compounds and chemotherapeutic antirheumatic drugs sequestered by MT.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antigens, CD; Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic; Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; Antigens, Neoplasm; Arthritis; Arthritis, Psoriatic; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Child; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Joint Diseases; Male; Membrane Glycoproteins; Metallothionein; Mice; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Osteoarthritis; Spondylitis, Ankylosing; Synovial Membrane

In this study we examined 85 patients in the range of 25 to 60 years with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a control group of 35 persons without any systemic diseases. The 85 patients with RA were split into two groups: first group was made up of 32 patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and the second of 53 patients without KCS. The aim was to decide whether the simple ocular ferning test has more diagnostic value than the "classical" tests: break-up time (BUT), Schirmer-1-test and concentration of lysozyme in the tear fluid. Therefore, we compared the tests with reference to sensitivity, specificity and prognostic value in the three groups. The results of the ocular ferning test are markedly better than the results of the other tests: sensitivity is 82.2%, specificity 92.5% and prognostic value 86.6%. The corresponding values are: BUT: 51.6%-77.8%-63.1%; Schirmer-1-test: 34.4%-90.8%-73.5%, lysozyme concentration: 73.4%-51.0%-52.7%. The ocular ferning test is an easy, practical, cheap, and reliable completion to the conventional tests; it is also easy on the patients.

Topics: Adult; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Fluorescein; Fluoresceins; Humans; Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Prognosis; Surface Properties; Tears

High levels of many cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and IL-8, were found in various arthropathies suggesting that they play a role in the pathogenesis of disease, although their relationship with the type and activity of disease is still not clear. The synovial fluid (SF) of 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 19 with psoriatic arthritis (PA) and 33 with osteoarthritis (OA) was analyzed for IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-8. The highest concentration of the three cytokines was found in the SF of RA. IL-beta detectable levels (> or = 20 pg/ml) were observed in 8/24 (33.3%) patients with RA, in one patient with PA but in no patient with OA. IL-6 (mean +/- SD) (1610.37 +/- 1781.65 pg/ml) was higher in RA than in PA (672.47 +/- 867.40 pg/ml, p = 0.043) and OA (89.45 +/- 120.52 pg/ml, p = 0.0001). IL-8 (1042.72 +/- 698.64 pg/ml) was higher in RA than in PA (660.36 +/- 625.11 pg/ml, p = 0.03) and OA (89.9 +/- 45.88 pg/ml, p = 0.0001). A correlation between IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-8 was found in RA. In all patients a correlation between IL-6 and IL-8 levels was found; moreover, these two cytokines were associated with SF indices of inflammation, such as white blood cells (WBC) count and total protein (TP) concentration. Our findings suggest that these interrelationships play a role in the evolution of more severe erosive arthropathy such as RA.

Topics: Arthritis; Arthritis, Psoriatic; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Humans; Interleukin-1; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Knee Joint; Leukocyte Count; Male; Muramidase; Osteoarthritis; Synovial Fluid

Soluble phospholipase A2 (PLA2) purified from rheumatoid synovial fluid (group II) and repurified Naja naja venom PLA2 (group I) were compared for their influence on phagocytic activity of human polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MO) phagocytes. Group II PLA2 reduced chemotaxis, adhesiveness, and intracellular bactericidal activity (ICBA) and induced release of muramidase from PMNs. Group I PLA2 suppressed chemotaxis, and enhanced ICBA but had no influence on other phagocytic functions. Group II PLA2 purified from synovial fluid or from placenta caused marked spontaneous superoxide generation followed by inhibition of phagocytosis-induced burst of energy. Group I Naja naja and porcine pancreatic PLA2 had no effect on superoxide generation. Group II but not group I PLA2 reduced markedly ICBA of monocytes. It may be concluded that human group II soluble PLA2, in concentrations comparable to those present in inflamed joints or in sera of patients with active arthritis or septic shock, causes spontaneous formation of the oxygen radical superoxide and release of lysosomal enzymes, and suppresses conventional phagocytic activities of PMNs and monocytes. Marked differences between group I and group II PLA2s may mean that these enzymes exert different influences on cell membrane.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Bacteriolysis; Cell Adhesion; Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Depression, Chemical; Elapid Venoms; Humans; Monocytes; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Phagocytosis; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Superoxides; Synovial Fluid

Neo-synovial membranes, which formed after "primary" synovectomy in 21 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), were studied at resynovectomy. The clinical, histomorphological, and immunohistological data were compared with data derived from "primary" synovial membranes from RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. The clinical data suggest a less active rheumatoid inflammatory response after synovectomy. Histomorphologicaly, the synovitis in resynovectomized neosynovial membranes of RA revealed no qualitative differences when compared with synovitis in the "primary" synovium. However, the degree of the inflammatory rection evaluated by the different parameters was found to be distinctly lower. The immunohistological data correlated with these findings.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Heparin; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Osteoarthritis; Radiography; Reoperation; Synovectomy; Synovial Membrane

High activity of proinflammatory, type II phospholipase A2 (PLA2) was found in synovial fluids (SF) in inflammatory arthritis. In search for the sources of this PLA2, we cultured human articular chondrocytes and cartilage explants from healthy, osteoarthritic and rheumatoid joints. All cultures, unstimulated by cytokines, released PLA2 extracellularly. Cultures obtained from the deep layers of the cartilage released more PLA2 than those obtained from the superficial layers. Deep layer explants released 0.38 to 18.16 pmol/min/mg protein PLA2/day, whereas superficial layer explants released 0.39-3.18 pmol/min/mg/day. Chondrocyte cell cultures continuously released PLA2, in the first day 909-46347 pmol/min/(10)6 cells and after 9-26 days of culture 166-2115 pmol/min/10(6) cells. PLA2 released from chondrocytes was calcium dependent and had optimum activity at pH 7.5. Cycloheximide markedly inhibited its release. Chondrocyte cultures also released muramidase (LZM) but there was no correlation between PLA2 and LZM release. It may be concluded that cytokine unstimulated human articular chondrocytes synthesize and release PLA2 extracellularly which is similar to that found in the SF. Thus, chondrocytes may possibly serve as one of the sources of intraarticular PLA2.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Cartilage, Articular; Cells, Cultured; Cycloheximide; Humans; Muramidase; Osteoarthritis; Phospholipases A; Phospholipases A2; Reference Values

The composition of the obligate anaerobic intestinal flora of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differed from that of healthy subjects (HS). Total numbers of aerobes as well as anaerobic coccoid rods were found elevated when compared with HS. Eubacterium species were found in all stool samples of both groups; Bifidobacterium species were present in seven (RA) and eight (HS) out of 10 subjects. From the flora of two RA patients and two HS Eubacterium species were isolated and identified. Cell wall fragments from four E. aerofaciens strains (two from RA, two from HS) were tested for arthritis induction in rats. All four strains induced chronic arthritis which was histologically confirmed. We concluded that in the normal intestinal flora of RA patients Eubacterium species are present in high numbers (i.e. greater than 10(9)/g faeces); cell walls from isolated E. aerofaciens strains had arthropathic properties.

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Infectious; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Cell Wall; Disease Models, Animal; Eubacterium; Feces; Female; Foot; Humans; Intestines; Joints; Muramidase; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Rhamnose

In 26 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis complicated by urinary tract infections the normal lysozyme activity has been observed in the blood serum. After 14 days lasting therapy with nonsteroid antiinflammatory drugs no changes in the enzyme activity have been observed.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Urinary Tract Infections

Type A synovial lining cells have been shown to contain lysozyme in their lysosomes. This might be phagocytosed because synovial fluid contains lysozyme originating from tissue macrophages and articular cartilage but in arthritides, in particular, from neutrophils. In situ hybridisation with 35S labelled cDNA was used to detect mRNA for lysozyme over synovial lining in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. No hybridisation was found with lactoferrin cDNA, which was used as a negative control. Computer search against the EMBL gene bank (release 14) did not show any significant cross hybridisation to a known sequence. In cytological specimens 35S-cDNA:mRNA hybrids were observed in positive but not in negative control cells. The presence of lysozyme and its mRNA suggests that type A synovial lining cells are of mononuclear phagocyte lineage.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Humans; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; RNA, Messenger; Synovial Fluid; Synovial Membrane

Three variants of the immunoenzymometric assay of human lysozyme with HRP-labeled antibodies were compared. The highest sensitivity (with a detection limit of 0.2 micrograms lysozyme/L) was achieved by a one-step assay lasting 2 h. Between-batch precision for the techniques was 6-11%. Lysozyme reference values were determined in serum, cerebrospinal fluid and urine. In serum they are age-dependent and in urine sex-dependent when related to creatinine excretion. Serum lysozyme is increased in only 57% of the patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and is also unreliable for indicating remission. In Crohn's disease the serum lysozyme reflects activity better, but it does not exceed the diagnostic value of alpha-1-acidic glycoprotein (orosomucoid). The lysozyme quantification in cerebrospinal fluid is useful in distinguishing between viral or bacterial meningitis.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aging; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Body Fluids; Clinical Enzyme Tests; Crohn Disease; Diagnosis, Differential; Enzyme Stability; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Infant, Newborn; Meningitis; Meningitis, Viral; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Nervous System Diseases; Reference Values

In our study, we investigated the clinical features of sicca syndrome in the presence and absence of rheumatoid arthritis. Twenty patients with sicca syndrome alone and 22 patients with sicca syndrome accompanied by rheumatoid arthritis were examined. The average onset age of the sicca syndrome alone is 12 years younger than the syndrome associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, rheumatoid arthritis tended to antecede the clinical onset of the sicca syndrome in the latter group. Relevant to the clinical investigative data, frequent lower values of CH 50 and positive reactions to the anti-nuclear antibody were noted in the sicca syndrome alone group. In this group, a lowering of cell-mediated immunity and a decrease in lysozyme density in lacrimal fluid were also noted. Relevant to the clinical manifestation, a high frequency of recurrence of parotitis, purpura and lymphadenopathy was also noted. Related to the joint findings, 45% of the patients with sicca syndrome alone disclosed clinical evidence for arthritis, however, no significant radiographic findings were observed. It is clear that there were distinct differences in clinical figures in both groups, while continuity of the clinical figures between them was also confirmed. When we take the known pathological and molecular genetic findings into consideration, it may be assumed that the differences in the clinical figures between these two entities could result from the difference of the causative mechanism of the conditions. Furthermore, we may safely say that the sicca syndrome alone may reflect the essential pathophysiologic figure of this particular syndrome.

Topics: Age Factors; Antibodies, Antinuclear; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Humans; Muramidase; Sjogren's Syndrome; Tears

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Clinical Enzyme Tests; Humans; Muramidase; Pleural Effusion

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Bromhexine; Humans; Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca; Muramidase; Rabbits; Saliva; Sjogren's Syndrome; Tears

A new method for the measurement of lysozyme activity, which is rapid, quantitative and sensitive, was established and applied to clinical material obtained from arthritis patients. The method is based on fluorescence polarization with the use of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled peptidoglycan. Using this method, we found that the synovial fluids obtained from rheumatoid arthritis contained more lysozyme activity than similar samples from osteoarthritis patients (P less than 0.001). Furthermore, we found that chemotactic factors and lysozyme-depleted rheumatoid synovial fluids could induce the release of lysozyme from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro. It is therefore suggested that lysozyme present in rheumatoid synovial fluids may derive in part from polymorphonuclear leukocytes and the action of chemotactic factor(s) within the fluids.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Chemotactic Factors; Female; Fluorescence Polarization; Humans; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Osteoarthritis; Synovial Fluid

Chemical analyses of serum and stimulated parotid saliva of 73 edentulous patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and of 36 edentulous healthy controls were performed. The purpose of the present work was to assess the possible correlations between the concentrations of electrolytes and immunomarkers such as lysozyme, IgA, beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) and rheumatoid factor (RF) in serum and saliva. The results of the chemical analyses of the serum showed elevated values for IgA, IgM, lysozyme and beta 2-m. In addition 45 patients were positive for rheumatoid factor. In saliva, the only significant difference between the groups studied was decreased potassium concentration in the RA patients. Nine salivary specimens were RF positive. There was a highly significant correlation between serum beta 2 and salivary IgA, lysozyme, beta 2-m, urea and amylase in the RA patients. In addition, serum lysozyme and RF were related to salivary beta 2-m and urea. However, no such relations could be observed in the controls. These findings indicate that serum immunomarkers have an effect on the salivary constituents in the patients with an altered immunological state. The importance of simultaneous serum analysis is emphasized when salivary levels are to be interpreted.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; beta 2-Microglobulin; Dentition; Electrolytes; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Parotid Gland; Saliva

The synthesis of C3, C2, factor B (B) C1-inhibitor and lysozyme has been studied in monocytes and macrophages isolated from the synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Concentrations of all 5 proteins in culture supernatants were measured by the sandwich ELISA technique. Kinetic studies showed that only lysozyme and C3 could be detected in monocyte culture supernatants on the first day of culture, whereas C2, B and C1-inhibitor were not present until the third day. In contrast all 5 proteins could be detected in the supernatants of macrophage cultures on day 1. In both monocyte and macrophage cultures synthesis of lysozyme and C1-inhibitor continued throughout the culture period, whereas synthesis of C2, B and C3 appeared to be reduced after the fifth day in culture. Quantitative studies showed that the secretion rates of lysozyme (4,700 X 10(3) molecules/cell/hr) was similar in monocytes and macrophages. Synthesis rates for all 4 complement components in monocyte cultures were less than 0.2% of that for lysozyme. Although the synthetic rates were higher in macrophages, even then they constituted less than 2% of the rate for lysozyme. Synthetic rates for complement components, but not lysozyme, were increased by BSA-anti-BSA antigen-antibody complexes and reduced by serum-treated complexes. Although the functional activity of monocyte B was similar to that for serum, the activity of monocyte C2 was 5 times that of serum C2. As C42 formed with monocyte C2 had a half-life of 13.5 min at 30 degrees C, compared with 4.5 min for the enzyme formed with serum C2, it is probable that monocyte C2 is oxidized by the oxygen products of these cells.

Topics: Antigen-Antibody Complex; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Cells, Cultured; Complement C1 Inactivator Proteins; Complement C2; Complement C3; Complement Factor B; Enzyme Precursors; Humans; Macrophages; Monocytes; Muramidase; Time Factors

Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antigen-Antibody Complex; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Complement C3; Complement C4; Humans; Muramidase; T-Lymphocytes

Lysozyme (LZM) concentrations in synovial fluid were determined in patients with seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in patients whose arthritic exudates had been caused by Reiter's disease, a Yersinia enterocolitica infection, osteoarthritis, or trauma. Patients with rheumatoid disease had significantly higher levels of lysozyme in synovial fluid than patients with non-rheumatic diseases. The concentration of lysozyme correlated with the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in synovial fluid in seronegative--but not in seropositive--rheumatoid arthritis. In patients with rheumatic arthritis the lysozyme level correlated inversely with the concentration of glucose in synovial fluid. In patients with rheumatoid pleural effusion, lysozyme levels in pleural fluid were comparable to those in serum. The concentration of LZM in thoracic duct lymph was roughly the same as in serum. During drainage of thoracic duct lymph, the lysozyme level in serum decreased.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Humans; Lymph; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Pleural Effusion; Synovial Fluid; Thoracic Duct; Tissue Distribution

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Humans; Muramidase; Osteoarthritis; Synovial Fluid

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are thought to prevent inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. This observation does not explain, however, why nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are able to control inflammation caused by other mediators. To determine whether nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also exert an effect on neutrophil activation, in vitro and in vivo studies were undertaken. Aggregation, superoxide anion generation, and lysosomal enzyme release were assessed. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were found to inhibit these neutrophil responses, but the patterns of inhibition varied from drug to drug. These findings suggest that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may have direct effects on neutrophil activation that are independent of their shared inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Aspirin; Cell Aggregation; Humans; Ibuprofen; In Vitro Techniques; Indomethacin; Muramidase; N-Formylmethionine Leucyl-Phenylalanine; Neutrophils; Piroxicam; Prostaglandin Antagonists; Superoxides; Thiazines

A neutrophil monolayer system was used to study the effects of uric acid on neutrophil-aggregate interactions important in rheumatoid inflammation. No effect on immunoglobulin G aggregate phagocytosis was seen, but hyperuricaemic levels of uric acid were associated with an enhancement of phagocytosis-induced release of the azurophilic granular enzyme beta-glucuronidase. A trinitrophenyl-coupled mononuclear leucocyte rheumatoid factor plaque-forming assay was utilised to study uric acid effects on polyclonal activation of immunocompetent cells. Low levels of uric acid enhanced and high levels suppressed this system. Hyperuricaemia may enhance some aspects of rheumatoid inflammation, while uric acid may modulate an important component of rheumatoid autoimmunity.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Autoimmune Diseases; Cells, Cultured; Glucuronidase; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Leukocytes; Models, Biological; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Phagocytosis; Rheumatoid Factor; Uric Acid

Monocytes isolated from peripheral blood of patients with various rheumatic diseases and circulating immune complexes (IC) developed a significantly higher thromboplastin (tissue factor) activity than normal cells when cultured in vitro without inducers, but normal cells responded more strongly with thromboplastin production upon stimulation with IC or phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). Sera from patients with rheumatic diseases and circulating IC induced a significant increase in the thromboplastin activity of normal monocytes. Lysozyme release from patient monocytes was significantly lower than the release from control cells when stimulated with IC. Patient sera contained higher amounts of lysozyme than normal sera, indicating lysozyme release in vivo. These data suggest that activation of monocytes in vivo by IC may take place. The increased expression of thromboplastin in monocytes/tissue macrophages may be important for the development of microvascular thrombosis and fibrin deposition seen in chronic inflammatory lesions.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antigen-Antibody Complex; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Glucuronidase; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Monocytes; Muramidase; Rheumatic Diseases; Thromboplastin

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Humans; Leukocytes; Monocytes; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Osteoarthritis; Receptors, Fc; Synovial Fluid; T-Lymphocytes

Lysozyme-producing cells were analysed by enzyme histochemistry in paraffin sections of synovial tissue of 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 20 patients with osteoarthritis (OA). For lysozyme detection three enzyme histochemical systems - peroxidase-anti-peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase and biotin-avidin - were used in parallel experiments. Lysozyme was found to be produced by polymorphonuclear cells, mononuclear phagocytes and part of synovial lining cells. All types of lysozyme-producing cells were increased in RA compared with OA. Subgrouping of RA synovitis according to histomorphological criteria allowed the demonstration of an inverse relationship between the number of lysozyme-producing cells and the grade of proliferation of fibroblasts, called mesenchymoid transformation by Fassbender [19]. The different methods of lysozyme detection differed in specificity and sensitivity. The immunoenzymatic staining of lysozyme allows specific and quantitative evaluation of phagocytizing cells in RA and OA.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Osteoarthritis; Synovial Membrane; Tissue Distribution

Fifty-three patients with sicca syndrome and 34 healthy controls had their tear lysozyme concentration examined. Lysozyme level was significantly decreased (P less than .0005) in all patients with low Schirmer test values as compared with healthy controls. Even in rheumatoid arthritis patients with normal Schirmer test results a low concentration of tear lysozyme was found. Tear lysozyme can be used to detect subclinical involvement of lacrimal glands in collagen diseases.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Sjogren's Syndrome; Tears

1. The permeability of the synovial membrane for proteins is larger in rheumatoid arthritis than in osteoarthrosis, in rheumatoid arthritis with high CRP activity larger than in rheumatoid arthritis with low CRP activity. 2. The diffusion by the synovial membrane in most plasma proteins takes place depending on their molecular weight. Of the 14 proteins tested only haptoglobin and fibrinogen did not follow this regularity. 3. While the non-immune proteins proved in the synovial fluid only come from the blood plasma, the immune globulins IgG, IgA, and IgM as well as lysozyme are partly also locally synthetized and enriched in rheumatoid arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis lysozyme is present in the synovia not only in free, but in most cases also in cell-bound form.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Blood Proteins; C-Reactive Protein; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Molecular Weight; Muramidase; Osteoarthritis; Permeability; Rheumatic Diseases; Synovial Membrane

In 37 patients and 143 control patients we estimated tear fluid lysozyme content by the Micrococcus lysodeikticus agar diffusion assay. We found no correlation between the titer of lysozyme in tear fluid and the rate of tear flow. Decrease in lysozyme production was found to be a sensitive indicator of the involvement of the lacrimal system in Sjögren's syndrome.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Biological Assay; Humans; Micrococcus; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Sjogren's Syndrome; Tears

This study analyzed the neutrophils and sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and of normal controls. No significant differences were found in the activities of the granular enzymes beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme or the cytoplasmic enzyme lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). Normal neutrophils were found to release significant (P less than 0.05) amounts of the granular enzymes, but not of LDH in response to immunoglobulin G aggregates. There was no difference in the percent release exhibited by rheumatoid versus control neutrophils. Studies delineating the effects of rheumatoid factor sera and normal sera on aggregate-induced enzyme release revealed a significant negative correlation between the amount of rheumatoid factor in the sera and the percent release of beta-glucuronidase and lysozyme but not of LDH. These studies thus demonstrate no abnormalities in rheumatoid neutrophil or rheumatoid serum enzyme activities or in neutrophil response to immunoglobulin G aggregates. They suggest, however, that rheumatoid factor may partially inhibit the release of lysosomal enzymes, thus suppressing this important component of the rheumatoid inflammatory process.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Glucuronidase; Humans; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Rheumatoid Factor

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Humans; Monoamine Oxidase; Muramidase; Osteoarthritis; Synovial Fluid

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Blood Sedimentation; Cartilage, Articular; Humans; Hydroxyproline; Joint Diseases; Leucyl Aminopeptidase; Muramidase; Synovial Fluid; Zinc

It appears that in rheumatoid arthritis and, to a lesser extent, in the other forms of inflammatory rheumatism, the level of zinc in the blood serum is lowered, whereas synovial zinc is increased. In the synovial fluid, there is a very significant correlation between enzyme activity and the concentration of zinc. Practical experiments aimed at demonstrating in vitro the action of zinc on lacticodeshydrogenase, acid phosphatase, lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase did not produce the anticipated results and do not explain the metabolic disorders of zinc seen during inflammatory rheumatisms.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Enzymes; Glucuronidase; Humans; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Muramidase; Synovial Fluid; Zinc

This work was done in order to investigate the previously reported antinuclear property of lysozyme (LZM). Addition of human or hen egg white lysozyme (hLZM or eLZM) to normal serum and to 11 sera with different types of antinuclear factors (ANF) produced no consistent changes in ANF titre or type. Likewise, absorption of LZM from the sera with bentonite failed to influence ANF titre and, finally, hLZM and eLZM were incapable of binding native DNA (nDNA). Elevated serum lysozyme levels in rheumatic diseases are therefore unlikely to produce false-positive results in tests for antinuclear antibodies.

Topics: Antibodies; Antibodies, Antinuclear; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Bentonite; DNA; Muramidase

Skin biopsies from forty patients with rheumatoid arthritis were studied for presence of immune deposits in the dermo-epidermal junction zone. In about half of these unselected patients with classical and definite rheumatoid arthritis, IgM, complement components and fibrinogen antigenic material were found. A positive correlation is demonstrated between immune deposits and the presence of cryoglobulins in serum. The presence of complement components in the skin deposits was found to be clearly related to the clinical activity of the disease, as judged by Lansbury's index.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antibodies, Antinuclear; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Complement C3; Complement System Proteins; Cryoglobulins; Female; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Granulocytes; Humans; Immunoglobulin M; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Skin

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Synovial Fluid

Lactoferrin (LF) has been assayed by radioimmunoassay in plasma and arthritic exudates and compared with lysozyme (LZ) levels and leukocyte counts. The mean LF concentration in 38 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exudates was 9.1 mg/l (range 0.02-39.2). In 30 non-RA exudates LF was 3.3 mg/l (range 0.01-14.6). The corresponding LZ levels were 7.4 mg/l (range 2.5-18.5) in RA and 4.7 (range 1.0-12.5) in non-RA fluids. Exudate/plasma ratios were much higher for LF than for LZ and higher in RA than in non-RA exudates, whereas leukocyte counts did not differ. The LF/leukocyte count ratio was significantly higher in RA than in the non-RA group. The data suggest a more prominent release of neutrophilic granulocyte components in RA than in non-RA arthritis.

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Exudates and Transudates; Lactoferrin; Lactoglobulins; Leukocyte Count; Muramidase; Radioimmunoassay; Synovial Fluid

We have studied cells dispersed with proteolytic enzymes from rheumatoid arthritic synovectomy specimens to determine the cell type(s) responsible for joint destruction. Initially 10-50% of these cells adhered to culture dishes within 24 hr and were of two main types: small, round cells and larger, stellate cells. During 1-4 days of culture, 5-25% had Fc receptors and 25-50% showed brisk phagocytosis. Daily producition, per 10(6) cells of collagenase (EC 3.4.24.3) (after trypsin pretreatment) was up to 70 mug of collagen fibrils lysed per min at 37 degrees (70 units), of prostaglandin (PGE2), up to about 1200 ng, and of lysozyme, up to about 100 mug. Under identical conditions of assay, fibroblasts grown from explants of synovium produced no detectable collagenase or lysozyme, and PGE2 was only 2-4 ng. With the dispersed cell preparations, macrophage markers (Fc receptors and lysozyme) were undetectable after 4 days and PGE2 decreased rapidly after about 7 more days. However, collagenase production continued for 3-25 weeks, and in some cultures, after cell passage. At these later stages, large, slow-growing stellate cells were predominant and could phagocytose carbon particles if incubated for greater than 6-8 hr. Indomethacin (14 muM) inhibited PGE2 but stimulated collagenase production whereas dexamethasone (10 nM) inhibited both. Production of PGE2 and collagenase in large amounts in vitro by these cells suggests that they may be involved in joint destruction in vivo. The precise origin of these synovial cells and the mechanisms responsible for the sustained production of collagenase at a high rate remain unidentified.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Binding Sites; Cells, Cultured; Humans; Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments; Indomethacin; Macrophages; Microbial Collagenase; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Prostaglandins E; Synovial Membrane

After reviewing previous work on the subjects, the authors show that the synovial fluid in subjects with inflammatory rheumatism contained higher levels of lysozyme and of beta-glucuronidase comparable with those of the acid phosphatases and of lacto-dehydrogenase that they were interested in previously.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Glucuronidase; Humans; Knee Joint; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Muramidase; Rheumatic Diseases; Synovial Fluid

Arthrigenicity of Mycobacterium smegmatis subfractions appeared to be remarkably potentiated in oil vehicles such as squalane or mineral oil, while water-in-oil emulsions containing Arlacel A appeared to decrease or suppress their arthritogenicity. It seems that Arlacel A can exert a suppressive effect on the arthritogenicity of the subfractions. Poly I:C and acetylated wax D potentiated the arthritogenicity of lysozyme-solubilized product, while cord factor was unable to do so. When given together with either cell membrane fraction or cell envelope, the lysozyme-solubilized product produced much more severe disease than that of lysozyme-solubilized product alone. Cell walls lost much of their arthritogenicity when mixed with lysozyme-solubilized product.

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Emulsions; Female; Mineral Oil; Muramidase; Mycobacterium; Poly I-C; Rats; Rats, Inbred Lew; Squalene; Subcellular Fractions; Water; Waxes

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Granulocytes; Humans; Leukocytes; Middle Aged; Muramidase

Two cases of the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after treatment with alkylating agents are reported. In Case 1, melphalan and then cyclophosphamide had been given for multiple myeloma. 46 months after onset of cytostatic treatment AML occurred, as confirmed cytochemically and by qualitative determination of urinary lysozyme. In Case 2, cyclophosphamide had been given for rheumatoid arthritis. After a latency of 34 months 'smouldering leukaemia' developed with an atypical monocytic leukaemic cell population. In a third case, multiple myeloma and monocytic leukaemia developed synchronously. The causative role of melphalan and cyclophosphamide in the development of AML seems securely established. Despite the risk of alkylating agents in the treatment of multiple myeloma or Hodgkin's disease causing AML, they should not be replaced, as other drugs have been shown to be less beneficial. On the other hand, alkylating agents should be used with great caution in the treatment of non-malignant diseases.

Topics: Aged; Alkylating Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Cyclophosphamide; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute; Male; Melphalan; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Plasmacytoma; Time Factors

Topics: Adult; Aged; Agranulocytosis; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Blood Volume; Cell Survival; Felty Syndrome; Female; Half-Life; Humans; Isoflurophate; Leukocyte Count; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Neutropenia; Phosphorus Radioisotopes; Splenectomy

Topics: Animals; Antigen-Antibody Complex; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Complement System Proteins; Female; Guinea Pigs; Humans; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Immunoglobulin M; Immunoglobulins; Inflammation; Knee Joint; Leukocyte Count; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Rheumatoid Factor; Solubility; Synovial Fluid

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Fatty Acids; Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase; Humans; Hydrarthrosis; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Injections, Intra-Arterial; Knee; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Leukocytes; Lymphocytes; Monocytes; Muramidase; Synovial Fluid; Time Factors

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Humans; Muramidase; Synovial Fluid

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Electrophoresis; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Function Tests; Kidney Glomerulus; Kidney Tubules; Leukemia; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Multiple Myeloma; Muramidase; Neoplasms; Proteinuria

Topics: Animals; Arthritis, Infectious; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Body Temperature; Body Weight; Disease Models, Animal; Edema; Extremities; Leukocytosis; Male; Muramidase; Physical Exertion; Rats; Time Factors

Topics: Absorption; Acid Phosphatase; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Colloids; Female; Half-Life; Humans; Injections, Intra-Articular; Knee Joint; Lymph Nodes; Male; Muramidase; Radiotherapy Dosage; Resins, Plant; Synovial Fluid; Synovial Membrane; Yttrium Isotopes

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aorta; Arteriosclerosis; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Collagen; Connective Tissue; Ear Ossicles; Female; Galactosidases; Gastric Mucosa; Glycoside Hydrolases; Hepatitis A; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; Hydrochloric Acid; Hydroxides; Liver Diseases; Macromolecular Substances; Male; Microbial Collagenase; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Neuraminidase; Otosclerosis; Sodium Chloride; Stomach Ulcer; Synovial Membrane; Urea

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Muramidase; Osteoarthritis; Synovial Fluid

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Body Fluids; Clinical Enzyme Tests; Female; Humans; Leukemia; Leukemia, Lymphoid; Leukemia, Myeloid; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Myeloma; Muramidase; Pregnancy; Synovial Fluid; Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia

Topics: Adult; Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Glucuronidase; Glycoside Hydrolases; Hexosaminidases; Humans; Knee Joint; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Osteoarthritis; Synovial Fluid

Topics: Adult; Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Female; Glucuronidase; Glycoside Hydrolases; Gold; Hexosaminidases; Humans; Injections, Intra-Articular; Knee Joint; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Synovial Fluid; Thiomalates