Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma expression in peripheral monocytes from rheumatoid arthritis patients

Aim of the workTo study peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression levels in the peripheral monocytes from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to clarify its relation with disease activity, functional disability and drug therapy.Patients and methodsThirty RA patients (Group 1) were divided into two subgroups: Group 1A: patients with moderate to high disease activity (n=15); Group 1B: patients in remission or with low disease activity (n=15). Thirty healthy volunteers were included as control group. Disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS-28) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were assessed in patients. PPARγ gene expression levels were assessed by real-time PCR in peripheral blood monocytes.ResultsThe mean fold increase in monocyte PPARγ expression levels was significantly higher (p0.001) and with swelling joint count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and platelet count (p0.05).ConclusionsOur findings support the role of PPARγ in the pathophysiology of RA and suggest that over-expression of PPARγ protein may have anti-rheumatic effects.