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Intraarticular release and accumulation of defensins and bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein in patients

Maria I Bokarewa1, Tao Jin, Andrej Tarkowski

  • 1Department of Rheumatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. maria.bokarewa@rheuma.gu.se

The Journal of Rheumatology
|August 13, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) and defensins accumulate in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joints. Their presence correlates with joint erosion, suggesting a role in RA

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNC) contain defensins and bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), crucial for antimicrobial defense.
  • These molecules may also modulate the host immune response beyond pathogen killing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify BPI and alpha-defensin (human neutrophil peptides 1-3, HNP 1-3) levels in synovial fluid (SF) and blood of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
  • To investigate the relationship between these protein concentrations and disease severity, including radiological joint damage and inflammation markers.

Main Methods:

  • ELISA was used to measure BPI and HNP 1-3 concentrations in SF and blood from 67 RA patients and 22 healthy controls.
  • Results were correlated with radiological assessments, disease duration, and laboratory inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

  • SF concentrations of BPI and HNP were significantly higher (10-60 fold) than in matched blood samples (p < 0.0001).
  • Elevated BPI and HNP levels in SF correlated with white blood cell (WBC) counts (p < 0.001) and erosive arthritis (p < 0.05).
  • Serum BPI levels were moderately increased in RA patients compared to controls (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • BPI and HNP are significantly concentrated within the synovial cavity in RA patients.
  • The correlation between joint erosion and local BPI/HNP levels suggests their involvement in the destructive processes of RA.

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