Mucopolysaccharides in synovial fluid. Effect of aspirin and indomethacin on hyaluronic acid

Action of free radical generating systems upon the biological and immunological properties of caeruloplasmin

Exposure of human caeruloplasmin, an acute phase protein with antioxidant properties, to a mixture of xanthine/hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase as a source of reactive oxygen intermediates decreased its ferroxidase and ascorbate oxidase activities and its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation. Immunological reactivity was also altered. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide mimicked these effects. Exposure to low-intensity u.v. irradiation depressed caeruloplasmin's ability to inhibit iron-catalysed hyaluronic acid degradation. The results may explain the mechanism of the observed inactivation of caeruloplasmin within human rheumatoid synovial fluid.

Assessment of rheumatoid activity based on clinical features and blood and synovial fluid analysis

Joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis has been assessed, and the most useful guides to disease activity were determined by analysis of synovial fluid and blood together with the history of joint disability. The patient's own evaluation of the amount of pain suffered was the most useful clinical assessment. Differential cell count and glucose estimations were the most helpful guides in the synovial fluid, while C-reactive protein in the serum most accurately reflected disease activity. The effects of systemic steroids on these indices were studied, and the differences between seronegative and seropositive patients noted.