Data from Marmara University, Department of Rheumatology advance knowledge in rheumatology
2007 NOV 20 -- New research, 'Mannose binding lectin levels in spondyloarthropathies,' is the subject of a report. "Mannose binding lectin (MBL), a member of the collectin family proteins, is a major molecule of the innate immune system; MBL deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infections. As gastrointestinal and genitourinary infections are suggested to be among the etiological factors of spondyloarthropathies (SpA), we investigated MBL deficiency in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and undifferentiated SpA (uSpA) One hundred seven patients with AS, 43 patients with uSpA, and 74 healthy controls were studied," scientists writing in the Journal of Rheumatology report. "Disease activity, radiological scores, and demographic features were recorded. MBL levels were measured with standard ELISA kits Median MBL levels in AS, uSpA, and controls were 2705 (range 0-5861) ng/ml, 2897 (36-7586) ng/ml, and 3468 (0-7950) ng/ml, respectively. No significant differences were observed in median MBL levels and the prevalence of MBL deficiency between the groups. Bath AS Radiological Index scores were not affected by MBL levels. However, although statistically not significant, radiographic damage quantified by modified Stoke AS Spine Score (mSASSS) was 3 times higher in AS patients with MBL deficiency," wrote S.Z. Aydin and colleagues, Marmara University, Department of Rheumatology. The researchers concluded: "Disease activity, clinical picture, and therapies were not associated with MBL levels In AS patients with MBL deficiency, there was a tendency towards a more severe radiographic progression detected by mSASSS." Aydin and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Rheumatology (Mannose binding lectin levels in spondyloarthropathies. Journal of Rheumatology, 2007;34(10):2075-7). Additional information can be obtained by contacting S.Z. Aydin, Marmara University Faculty of Medicine, Dept. of Rheumatology, Istanbul, Turkey. The publisher of the Journal of Rheumatology can be contacted at: J Rheumatol Publ Co., 920 Yonge St., Suite 115, Toronto, Ontario M4W 3C7, Canada. Keywords: Turkey, Istanbul, Rheumatology. This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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