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Biotech / Medical : CYPB - Cypress BioScience
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To: Jay Lowe who wrote (220)5/19/1998 1:35:00 PM
From: muddphudd  Read Replies (1) of 586
 
What I know of Protein-A is that is binds the Fc (common) portion of antibodies. That being the case, there is no specificity towards any particular antibody-antigen complex. However, more recent studies have suggested that Protein-A also binds some Fab (variable) portions of SOME antibodies. Whether this may contribute to the effect we see in RA (i.e. confer some specificity for RA) remains to be determined.

What do we know about blood of RA patients?

1) 80% have antibodies to the Fc portion of immunoglobulins, called Rheumatoid Factor. The synovium (fluid in the joints) produces immunoglobulins, most of which consist of IgM and IgG rheumatoid factors. These immunoglobulins form complexes in the synovial fluid, which activate complement. Rheumatoid factor aggregates also are ingested by macrophages (which secrete cytokines) and neutrophils (which release digestive enzymes); both actions amplify inflammation. Generally, patients which Rheumatoid factor in their blood have a more severe disease, more erosions, and more extraarticular features.

2) RA patients usually also have a normocytic, normochromic anemia of chronic disease.

3) and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (marker for inflammation).

Exactly what other angles they are looking for in the blood of these patients I do not know. I am not sure they know either. That is why I think the columns are more promising.

Just my opinion.
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