[Diagnosis and prediction of joint destruction found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using by biochemical markers]

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is characterized by localized destruction of synovium, cartilage, and bone. Loss of bone in RA is not only localized in joints but is also generalized. In RA, bone loss seems to be related to elevated bone resorption, while data of bone formation are conflicting. Increased bone absorption markers are associated with bone erosion at baseline and may predict radiographic progression. Treatment with TNF blockers and/or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy cause the reduction of levels of bone resorption markers. MMP-3 is involved in the pathogenesis of RA, since the synovial fluid from RA patients contains a large amount of MMP-3. The serum concentration of MMP-3 is a useful marker for predicting bone damage in the early stage of RA, and the suppression of MMP -3 production may be an effective therapeutic approach for patients with early RA.