الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Aim of the work: This work aims to study the levels of RANKL in serum and synovial fluid of patients with RA, OA and to correlate its level with parameters of disease activity and severity. Conclusion: In conclusion, the synovial fluid level of RANKL was correlated with parameters of disease activity. Severity and disability in RA patients. While its serum level correlated with number of tender joints only. And in patients with OA, synovial fluid level of RANKL was correlated with disease severity, while its serum level was not significantly correlated with any of clinical, laboratory, or radiological data. Recommendation: RANKL has a considerable role in bone destruction in RA and OA. So we recommended assessing RANKL level in serum and synovial fluid earlier in the disease which will reflect the state of bone. Further investigations into the association between RANKL and parameters of disease activity and severity are also recommended in larger series. As Osteoprotegerin known to be natural inhibitor of RANKL (Hayes, 2001), it could be used as atherapeutic agent to prevent bone erosions in chronic arthritis. |