Perturbation of protease inhibitors and substrates in inflammatory arthritis

Defective systemic fibrinolysis and articular persistence of fibrinlike material are well recognized in RA. Perturbation of the major plasma protease inhibitors, A1AT, A2MG, and AT III, was explored in RA, psoriatic arthritis, and Reiter's syndrome. Experimental evidence is presented and assessed with respect to the potential role of serine esterases and their inhibitors in the pathophysiology of inflammatory arthritis.