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Elevated serum nitrate concentrations in active spondyloarthropathies
D O Stichtenoth1, J Wollenhaupt, D Andersone
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
British Journal of Rheumatology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Patients with active spondyloarthropathy show significantly higher serum nitrate levels, indicating increased nitric oxide (NO) production. These levels correlate with disease activity markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Spondyloarthropathy is a group of inflammatory diseases.
- Nitric oxide (NO) plays a role in inflammation.
- Nitrate is a stable metabolite of NO.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production in patients with spondyloarthropathy.
- To correlate NO production markers with disease activity.
Main Methods:
- Serum nitrate concentrations were measured using gas chromatography.
- Disease activity was assessed by C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Main Results:
- Serum nitrate levels were significantly elevated in patients with active spondyloarthropathy compared to inactive disease and healthy controls (P < 0.001).
- Nitrate levels correlated strongly with CRP and ESR (r = 0.8).
- No significant differences in dietary nitrate intake were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Patients with active spondyloarthropathy exhibit enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production.
- Serum nitrate levels can serve as a biomarker for disease activity in spondyloarthropathy.