Levels of lipid peroxidation products in a chronic inflammatory disorder

• Published in: Research communications in molecular pathology and pharmacology Vol. 110; no. 1-2; p. 87
• Main Authors: Deaney, C L, Feyi, K, Forrest, C M, Freeman, A, Harman, G, McDonald, M S, Petrie, A, Shaw, S J, Stone, T W, Stoy, N, Darlington, L G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-07-2001
• Subjects: Adult; Aldehydes - blood; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - blood; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - metabolism; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde - blood; Middle Aged; Uric Acid - blood; Vitamin E - blood
• ISSN: 1078-0297

We have examined the plasma levels of the lipid peroxidation products 4-hydroxy-nonenal and malondialdehyde in a carefully controlled study of age and sex-matched subjects with rheumatoid arthritis in whom potentially confounding influences such as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), self-medication and vitamin supplements were eliminated. The plasma concentrations of the antioxidants uric acid and vitamin E were also measured. The results reveal a strong and consistent inverse correlation between the levels of lipid peroxidation products in the plasma and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). There is no indication that vitamin E or urate function as the major antioxidant agent in arthritis, as has been suggested in more seriously affected patients. It is concluded that there is no evidence that vitamin E is more important, and urate less important as an antioxidant in mild arthritis. The correlation between lipid peroxidation and ESR suggests a more complex relationship than has been assumed.