Neutrophils of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients on Anti-TNF-α Therapy and in Disease Remission Present Reduced Adhesive Functions in Association with Decreased Circulating Neutrophil-Attractant Chemokine Levels

摘要: Neutrophils participate in the initiation and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) although exact mechanisms responsible for neutrophil accumulation joints are not understood. This study compared adhesive chemotactic functions neutrophils from RA patients activity (DAS28 > 3.2) < 2.6) observed effects different treatment approaches on these functions. were isolated healthy controls (CON), with active or inactive use therapy specific (NSAIDs), DMARDs anti-TNF-α therapy. Adhesive properties evaluated using vitro assays; adhesion molecule expression was assessed by flow cytometry real-time PCR circulating chemokines determined ELISA. No significant alterations when to CON neutrophils, independently regimen. In contrast, disease remission presented reduced a lower spontaneous capacity, association decreased expression, profiles differed those Circulating levels major neutrophilic chemokines, IL-8 epithelial activating peptide-78, also significantly demonstrating clinical response. Remission appears be associated ameliorations aspects important chemotaxis; whether contribute decrease migration synovial fluid, consequent improvements manifestations RA, remains determined.