Oxidative stress in erythrocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation. It has been suggested that the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in patients with RA is higher than in healthy subjects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the level of the lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GSH-Px), level of the –SH groups and GSH and Na(+)K(+) ATPase activity in erythrocytes from patients with RA. There are no significant differences in CAT and GSH-Px activities. SOD activity is lower in RA patients than in the control group. Increase in the lipid peroxidation is observed in RA patients. Levels of the GHS and –SH groups are significantly lower in RA patients than in the control groups. Total ATPase and Na(+)K(+) ATPase activities decrease in RA patients.