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Published on: February 6, 2020
The migratory and phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
A Dolganiuc1, C Stavaru, M Anghel
1Cantacuzino Institute, Bucharest, Romania.
Abstract:
Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) play a central role in the elimination of most extracellular pathogenic microorganisms and any impairment of their functions therefore predisposes to defect immune defence. We investigated the migratory and phagocytic functions of the PMNs isolated from peripheral blood and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). The results suggest that in RA the number and the migratory but not phagocytic capacity of synovial fluid (SF) neutrophils were enhanced, while in OA they were significantly decreased in synovial fluid cells comparatively with peripheral blood (PB). The migratory function of both PB and SF cells from RA patients was increased comparatively with that of the cells from OA patients. We found the different abnormal functions in synovial fluid neutrophils from RA and OA patients. These results may help to elucidate the underlying mechanism which leads to severe joint destruction and different susceptibility to infectious diseases in patients with rheumatic disorders.
Insights
Neutrophil function differs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. RA patients show enhanced neutrophil migration in synovial fluid, while OA patients exhibit decreased function, impacting immune defense in joint diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are crucial for fighting extracellular pathogens.
- Impaired neutrophil function compromises immune defense, increasing infection susceptibility.
- Rheumatic disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) affect joint health and immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the migratory and phagocytic functions of neutrophils in patients with RA and OA.
- To identify functional differences in neutrophils from peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) between RA and OA.
- To elucidate the role of neutrophil dysfunction in the pathogenesis of joint destruction and infection risk in rheumatic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of PMNs from peripheral blood and synovial fluid of RA and OA patients.
- Assessment of neutrophil migratory capacity.
- Evaluation of neutrophil phagocytic activity.
Main Results:
- In RA patients, synovial fluid neutrophils showed increased numbers and enhanced migratory function, but normal phagocytic capacity compared to peripheral blood neutrophils.
- In OA patients, synovial fluid neutrophils exhibited significantly decreased migratory and phagocytic functions compared to peripheral blood neutrophils.
- Neutrophils from RA patients (both PB and SF) displayed superior migratory function compared to those from OA patients.
Conclusions:
- Synovial fluid neutrophils exhibit distinct functional abnormalities in RA and OA.
- These neutrophil dysfunctions may contribute to the severe joint destruction observed in RA and OA.
- Understanding these functional differences can shed light on varying susceptibility to infections in patients with rheumatic disorders.
