Concentration of NO, C-Reactive Protein, Magnesium, Calcium, and Phosphorous in Patients with Arthritis

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder, occurs when there are attacks of the immune system on body’s tissues especially the joint, causing a painful, swelling, that finally results in bone deformity, increased free radical level in defect joint and reduce the level of the antioxidant system can cause tissue damage. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) can be estimated as an index of the pathogen in RA.A chronic inflammatory case as in RA is probable to change magnesium, calcium and phosphorus level in the serum.

Objective: To study the impact of elevated level of NO in serum of RA as a free radical involved in pathogens of arthritis and the role of CRP as an indicator for inflammation. With changes in the level of serum magnesium, calcium, and phosphors in patient with RA.

Patients and Methods: Forty patient with RA were studied and then compared with the same number of healthy subjects. Nitrite was estimated by Griess reaction using VCL3 as a reducing agent by spectrophotometer at 540nm. CRP was detected by using Avitex-CRP kit and serum levels of Ca, Mg, and P was measured by fully automated random-access biochemistry analyzer (Cobas Integra 400 plus).

Results: In our study, it was found that the mean NO levels were 77.33±6.37 in RA and 26.678±3.637 in healthy subjects, significant at p<0.0001. CRP test was found to be positive in 34/40 cases of RA and none of the controls. The Mg and Ca level were less than normal and significances higher change in P level.

Conclusion: Our result finding that there is a close relation between oxidative stress and RA, in addition to CRP as a marker for inflammation, Mg, Ca and P level can be studied for the preferabletherapeutic management of RA.