[Serum soluble CD44 isoform variant 5 level in patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis treated with cyclosporin A].
CD44 is a widely expressed cell surface glycoprotein which is involved in many cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Expression of soluble CD44 splice variants is strictly regulated and is linked to a high rate of cell division. Serum levels of soluble CD44 variant 5 (sCD44v5) were determined in 14 patients with erosive RA. Patients were divided into two groups. In group 1 cyclosporin A treatment (CYA) was initiated after the first visit. In group 2 preliminary CYA was continued. Controls were performed after 6 months. We found a significant decrease of swollen joint count (SJC) and sCD44v5 in group 1. No effect of CYA was found on c-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and IgM-rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF). In group 2 a significant decrease of CRP was found. Therefore we conclude that measurement of sCD44v5 might be useful in monitoring RA+ patients with CYA.
Medizinischen Abteilung mit Rheumatologie des Wilhelminenspitals der Stadt Wien. josef.feyertag@5me.wil.magwien.gv.at
J
J
Feyertag
G
G
Haberhauer
M
M
Skoumal
E M
EM
Kittl
K
K
Bauer
A
A
Dunky
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
C113800:CD44v5 antigen; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D016572:Cyclosporine