In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity of serine proteases is an important factor contributing to destructive changes in the joints. The aim of this study was to compare elastase (ELANE) and cathepsin G (CTSG) mRNA levels in peripheral blood CD14(+) cells obtained from RA patients, healthy subjects (HS) and patients with osteoarthritis (OA). CD14(+) cells were isolated from peripheral blood by positive magnetic selection. The expression levels of ELANE and CTSG were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. ELANE mRNA expression was significantly higher in RA patients when compared to HS (p<0.001) and OA patients (p<0.001). The results suggest that in RA, peripheral blood CD14(+) cells express serine protease mRNA as a result of systemic mechanisms probably related to inflammation/cytokines before entering inflamed joints.
Keywords: CD14(+) cells; Cathepsin G; Elastase; Monocytes/macrophages; Rheumatoid arthritis.
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