Adrenal secretion of cortisol in patients with short-lasting rheumatoid arthritis

Journal/Book: Z Rheumatol 1999; 58: 311-312. 1999;

Abstract: B. Josipovic; University of Belgrade Medical School Institute of Rheumatology Belgrade It is well known that females suffer more frequently from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than males especially in the middle ages (sex ratio 4-5:1). Some of considered reasons for that are immunostimulation by Estrogen in females and opposite immunoinhibition (protection) by Testosteron in males. But one can assume that function of Adrenal cortex (i.e. synthesis and secretion) of Cortisol can also be altered especially in females contributing to their higher prevalence of RA and to it higher disease activity when comparing to males. Aim of the study: To investigate the capability of Adrenal cortex to produce Cortisol and relationship between levels of Cortisol and disease activity in females and males in middle ages both suffering from short-lasting RA (less than 15 months from onset of disease). Methods: Cross-sectional study comprised 50 patients attended at the Institute of Rheumatology in Belgrade Yugoslavia. There were 32 females (mean age 48 and mean disease duration 12 months) and 18 males (mean age 50 years and mean disease duration 10 months). Diagnosis of RA was made according to American College for Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. At the time of sampling all patients have used only nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) and no one had evidence of any other disease. The mean body weight and height were normal. Disease activity score (DAS) was computed by Ritchie index number of swolen joints and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Basal levels of Cortisol (C) was evaluated in 50 patients. Blood samples were colected in early morning (8-9 a.m.). After collection serum samples stored frozen at -20 °C until the hormone assays were detected (comercial kit INEP Yugoslavia) and performed by RIA. ... le

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