Rheumatoid Arthritis: Collin P

Afonso V, Champy R, Mitrovic D, Collin P, Lomri A. · INSERM U606, IFR-139, Paris 7 University, Lariboisière Teaching Hospital, 2 rue Ambroise Paré, 75475 Paris Cedex 10, France. · Joint Bone Spine. · Pubmed #17590367 No free full text.

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in many normal and abnormal processes in humans, including atheroma, asthma, joint diseases, aging, and cancer. The superoxide anion O(2)(-) is the main ROS. Increased ROS production leads to tissue damage associated with inflammation. Superoxide dismutases (SODs) convert superoxide to hydrogen peroxide, which is then removed by glutathione peroxidase or catalase. Thus, SODs prevent the formation of highly aggressive ROS, such as peroxynitrite or the hydroxyl radical. Experimental models involving SOD knockout or overexpression are beginning to shed light on the pathophysiological role of SOD in humans. Although the antiinflammatory effects of exogenous native SOD (orgotein) are modest, synthetic SOD mimetics hold considerable promise for modulating the inflammatory response. In this review, we discuss new knowledge about the role of the superoxide anion and its derivates as mediators of inflammation and the role of SODs and SOD mimetics as antioxidant treatments in joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and crystal-induced arthropathies.

Patinen P, Aine L, Collin P, Hietanen J, Korpela M, Enckell G, Kautiainen H, Konttinen YT, Reunala T. · Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. · Oral Dis. · Pubmed #15533207 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Both coeliac disease (CD) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) have an autoimmune background and increased risk of oral mucosal and dental abnormalities. Individuals suffering concomitantly from CD and SS could even be at a higher risk. STUDY DESIGN: Oral mucosal and dental abnormalities were examined in 20 patients with CD + SS (mean age 61 years) and compared with age- and sex-matched controls with either CD or SS. RESULTS: Oral mucosal changes were most common in SS (80%), followed by CD + SS (65%) and CD (40%). Coeliac-type dental enamel defects were found in 89% in CD + SS and in 88% in CD compared with only 25% in SS (P < 0.001). The median number of teeth was six in the CD + SS, 24 in the CD and 22 in the SS group. The DMF index was higher (P < 0.005) in the CD + SS than in the CD group. CD + SS was characterized by higher salivary flow rate (P < 0.001) and lower inflammatory focus score in the salivary glands (P < 0.01) than SS. CONCLUSIONS: The co-occurrence of CD and SS should be recognized because of its effects on dental and oral mucosal health. A lower salivary gland inflammatory focus score and higher salivary flow rate in CD + SS than in SS suggests that a gluten-free diet treatment may alleviate autoimmune inflammation.

Adcocks C, Collin P, Buttle DJ. · Division of Genomic Medicine, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK. · J Nutr. · Pubmed #11880552 links to  free full text

Abstract: Polyphenolic compounds from green tea have been shown to reduce inflammation in a murine model of inflammatory arthritis, but no studies have been undertaken to investigate whether these compounds are protective to joint tissues. We therefore investigated the effects of catechins found in green tea on cartilage extracellular matrix components using in vitro model systems. Bovine nasal and metacarpophalangeal cartilage as well as human nondiseased, osteoarthritic and rheumatoid cartilage were cultured with and without reagents known to accelerate cartilage matrix breakdown. Individual catechins were added to the cultures and the amount of released proteoglycan and type II collagen was measured by metachromatic assay and inhibition ELISA, respectively. Possible nonspecific or toxic effects of the catechins were assessed by lactate output and proteoglycan synthesis. Catechins, particularly those containing a gallate ester, were effective at micromolar concentrations at inhibiting proteoglycan and type II collagen breakdown. No toxic effects of the catechins were evident. We conclude that some green tea catechins are chondroprotective and that consumption of green tea may be prophylactic for arthritis and may benefit the arthritis patient by reducing inflammation and slowing cartilage breakdown. Further studies will be required to determine whether these compounds access the joint space in sufficient concentration and in a form capable of providing efficacy in vivo.

Iltanen S, Collin P, Korpela M, Holm K, Partanen J, Polvi A, Mäki M. · Institute of Medical Technology, University of Tampere, Finland. · Am J Gastroenterol. · Pubmed #10201480 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Many autoimmune diseases occur concomitantly with celiac disease. We investigated prospectively the occurrence of celiac disease and small-bowel mucosal inflammation in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. METHODS: A total of 34 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and 28 controls underwent small bowel biopsy. Villous morphology, jejunal intraepithelial lymphocytes, and mucosal HLA-DR were evaluated and DQA and DQB alleles, serum antiendomysial, and antigliadin antibodies were examined. RESULTS: Five (14.7%) of 34 Sjögren's syndrome patients were found to have celiac disease. The density of jejunal intraepithelial gammadelta+ T cells was increased in all celiac and in four nonceliac patients. All celiac patients, 69% of nonceliac Sjögren's syndrome patients, and 11% of control subjects showed enhanced HLA-DR expression (p < 0.001). HLA DQ2 was present in 19 (56%) patients with Sjögren's syndrome, including all five with celiac disease. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show a close association between Sjögren's syndrome and celiac disease. Even among nonceliac patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome, an ongoing inflammation is often present in the small bowel mucosa.