Review article

Immuno Aspect of Rheumatic Diseases

Duška Martinović

Abstract

Initial place of immuno-processes in
rheumatoid arthritis is joint’s synovia. Research on molecular
level gives us new informations about pathophysiologic cascades
in affected joint. Cellular homeostasis is influenced by
external stimuli and subcellular gene-regulation. Disregulation
of signal-molecules causes cellular transformation and apoptosis.
Apoptosis modulation by application of directed molecules
offers new therapeutic possibilities. Direct contact
between sinovial fibroblasts and T-lymphocytes promotes production
of matrix-protheinase which are strong mediators of
inflammation and depend of inter-leukin 1 beta and tumornecrotising
factor (TNF) production. NO and cyclooxigenase
are also inflammation mediators and are overproduced in
affected synovia by some cathabolic cytokines. Therapeutic
aim is an attempt to modulate disease and at the same time
avoid progressive joint destruction. First drug to use was
methotrexate and others are TNF-inhibitors alfa 1, leflunolide
and high-specific cyclooxigenase inhibitors. Rheumatic symptoms
could mask clinical picture of some other diesases like
malignant diseases, leukemias, lymphomas, intestinal diseases,
hemochromatosis and hepatitis. Sarcoidosis and
familiar Mediterranean fever could also be presented by
rheumatic symptomes. It is interesting that some rheumatic
manifestations are the consequences of drugs used in the
therapy of autoimmune diseases.

Keywords

arthritis; synovium; proteinases; cytokines; diseases modulation

Hrčak ID:

19188

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/19188

Publication date:

26.1.2000.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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