[Alpha 2 HS-glycoprotein in rheumatoid arthritis. Its plasma concentration and possible biological role]

Alpha 2-HS glycoprotein is one of the plasma proteins found in high concentrations in bone tissue. In order to study the relationship between this glycoprotein plasma concentration and bone damage in rheumatoid arthritis, plasma concentrations of this substance were measured in the serums of 32 patients with rheumatoid arthritis before and after treatment. Our results demonstrated that the concentration of alpha 2-HS glycoprotein, although slightly higher than normal values, did not vary in rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment of the disease did not seem to modify alpha 2-HS glycoprotein plasma levels, whereas other biological and clinical parameters of inflammation improved. The probable biological role of alpha 2-HS glycoprotein in rheumatoid arthritis is debated.