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Elevated granulocyte manganese in rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue diseases
Abstract:
Higher than normal amounts (p less than 0.001) of manganese were found in granulocytes isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory arthritides, and scleroderma, while erythrocytes and platelets contained normal amounts of manganese. The cause of manganese accumulation is not known but evidently is linked to the intensity of the inflammatory process since significant positive correlations (p less than 0.001) were seen between erythrocyte sedimentation rate or serum haptoglobin and granulocyte manganese. During corticosteroid therapy granulocyte manganese started to return to normal levels but the relative changes were modest. Strong positive correlations (p less than 0.001) were found between granulocyte manganese and granulocyte stores of calcium and iron, suggesting a close relationship in the cellular regulation of these elements in chronic inflammatory conditions.
Insights
Patients with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis show higher manganese levels in granulocytes. This accumulation correlates with inflammation intensity and is linked to calcium and iron regulation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritides are characterized by complex immune dysregulation.
- Alterations in trace element metabolism are increasingly recognized in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate manganese levels in specific blood cell types from patients with inflammatory conditions.
- To explore the relationship between granulocyte manganese and markers of inflammation and other intracellular elements.
Main Methods:
- Granulocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets were isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, other inflammatory arthritides, and scleroderma.
- Manganese content in these cell types was quantified.
- Correlations between granulocyte manganese, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum haptoglobin, and intracellular calcium and iron were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated manganese levels were observed in granulocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthritides, and scleroderma (p < 0.001).
- Erythrocytes and platelets showed normal manganese concentrations.
- Granulocyte manganese positively correlated with inflammation markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum haptoglobin) and intracellular calcium and iron stores (p < 0.001).
- Corticosteroid therapy led to modest reductions in granulocyte manganese.
Conclusions:
- Granulocytes accumulate manganese in chronic inflammatory conditions, with levels linked to disease activity.
- Manganese accumulation in granulocytes appears interconnected with the cellular regulation of calcium and iron.
- These findings suggest a potential role for manganese dysregulation in the pathophysiology of inflammatory arthropathies.