Objectives Oxygen free radicals play a major role in the generation of acute and chronic inflammatory processes one of which is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Biological thiols or sulfhydryls protect cells against oxidative stress. Introduction of carbonyls into proteins is the consequences of the protein oxydation. This study is planned to investigate the roles of oxygen free radicals in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods In this study; according to ACR criteria, a total of 29 RA patients (M/F = 7/22) aged between 31 to 68 years old are included. They were physically evaluated by the number of tender points. Rutin labaratory investigations (ESR, CRP, RF, biochemically parameters) were also evaluated. Control group were selected from healthy adults with same age. Than blood samples were investigated in biochemistry unit. Protein carbonyl content of the samples were determined according to the method described by Levine et al and the modified method was described by Koster et al. These two methods were used for determination of protein sulphydyrls.

Results The sulfhydryl contents of RA patients were found significantly decreased than those in age and sex matched controls, 396,26 ± 42,33 mmol/L and 677,21 ± 59,98 mmol/L respectivelly (p < 0,001). On the other hand the carbonyl contents of RA patients were found significantly increased than those in controls, 105,45 ± 14,26 mmol/L and 93,65 ± 10,49 mmol/L respectively (p < 0,05).

Conclusion These changes in oxidative stress markers could indicate the role of free radical attacks on proteins.

References

1. Levine RL, Garland D, Oliver CN, Amici A, et al. Determination of carbonyl content in oxidatively modified proteins. Methods Enzymol. 1990;186:464–78

2. Koster JF, Biemond P, Swaak JG. Intracellular and extracellular sulfhydryl levels in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 1986;45:44–6