Effect of methotrexate treatment on markers of oxidative stress and IL-10 level in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Abstract EN

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is used as disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).The molecular basis of the effect of low dose MTX in RA is not clear.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of MTX on plasma oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde MDA and 8- iso PGF2?) and IL-10 levels in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with methotrexate (MTX).Correlation of oxidative stress markers to disease activity was also assessed.

Method: The study was carried out on 25 patients with RA, treated with weekly intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of 15mg MTX for up to 24 weeks.

In all patients RA were assessed according to swollen joint count and score morning stiffness, joints tender and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Patients showing >50% improvement with MTX treatment were defined as responders and patients with improvement<20% were considered as non-responders.

Results: The clinical response was accompanied by a significant gradual decrease in the plasma level of 8-iso prostaglandin F2? (8-iso PGF2?) but no change in malondialdehyde (MDA).

Also in responder group the 8-iso PGF2? was positively correlated with RA disease activity variables before treatment.

The study clearly indicates the antioxidative capacity of MTX treatment in RA.