Abstract Background. Recent data provided evidence on the implication of the adipocytokines adiponectin, visfatin, and resistin in inflammation, immune response, and tissue destruction and revealed several links between them and arthritis. Aim of the study. The purpose of this study was to assess the levels of adiponectin, visfatin, and resistin in serum and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and determine their relationship with disease activity. Subjects and methods. A total of 70 female patients with RA and 30 age- and sex matched healthy controls were enrolled. The clinical activity of RA patients was assessed according to the 28 joint count Disease Activity Score and patients were classified into two groups: 39 patients with active disease (group A) and 31 patients in remission(group B). Synovial fluid was obtained by arthrocentesis of the affected knee joints from 39 patients with active disease. Serum adiponectin, visfatin, and resistin concentrations were measured in RA patients and controls, while a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the synovial concentrations of adiponectin, visfatin, and resistin in the group of patients with active RA. Results. Serum levels of adiponectin and visfatin were significantly higher in all RA patients and patients with active disease compared to the control group and patients in remission. No significant difference was observed in the resistin level between patients and controls. Serum and synovial adiponectin and visfatin were positively correlated with DAS28-ESR in RA patients with active disease. Conclusion. Our data demonstrated that adiponectin and visfatin are related to disease activity in RA patients and might be involved in the progression of RA.

Abstract Aim(s) of the work: To explore early changes in the predictors of bone turnover in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). To identify osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-jB ligand (OPG/RANKL) ratio in the serum of the same patients and its relation to the parameters of joint inflammation and joint destruction. Patients and methods: Seventy children with JIA and 30 healthy children individually matched for age, sex, race, and county of residence were included in this study. Serum levels of calcium(Ca), phosphorus (Ph), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), RANKL and (OPG) were measured. Urinary concentration of deoxypyridinoline (DPD) was also done. All involved joints were assessed by plain radiography. Results: Significant low serum concentrations of ALP and OPG was observed in JIA group, while there was a significant increase in serum level of RANKL and urine level of DPD compared to controls. OPG/RANKL ratio was significantly lower in JIA patients than in controls. OPG/RANKL ratio is correlated with most clinical characteristics, disease activity variables, JIA outcome measures and radiographic findings. DPD, RANKL and OPG/RANKL ratio, respectively,are considered as independent predictors of juxta-articular osteoporosis. OPG/RANKL ratio was the only predictor of bone erosion. Conclusion: The OPG/RANKL ratio could be an early predictor of increased bone resorption and a valuable biomarker for joint inflammation and bone injury in JIA patients.

Abstract Aim(s) of the work: To explore early changes in the predictors of bone turnover in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). To identify osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-jB ligand (OPG/RANKL) ratio in the serum of the same patients and its relation to the parameters of joint inflammation and joint destruction. Patients and methods: Seventy children with JIA and 30 healthy children individually matched for age, sex, race, and county of residence were included in this study. Serum levels of calcium(Ca), phosphorus (Ph), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), RANKL and (OPG) were measured. Urinary concentration of deoxypyridinoline (DPD) was also done. All involved joints were assessed by plain radiography. Results: Significant low serum concentrations of ALP and OPG was observed in JIA group, while there was a significant increase in serum level of RANKL and urine level of DPD compared to controls. OPG/RANKL ratio was significantly lower in JIA patients than in controls. OPG/RANKL ratio is correlated with most clinical characteristics, disease activity variables, JIA outcome measures and radiographic findings. DPD, RANKL and OPG/RANKL ratio, respectively,are considered as independent predictors of juxta-articular osteoporosis. OPG/RANKL ratio was the only predictor of bone erosion. Conclusion: The OPG/RANKL ratio could be an early predictor of increased bone resorption and a valuable biomarker for joint inflammation and bone injury in JIA patients.

Abstract Aim(s) of the work: To explore early changes in the predictors of bone turnover in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). To identify osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-jB ligand (OPG/RANKL) ratio in the serum of the same patients and its relation to the parameters of joint inflammation and joint destruction. Patients and methods: Seventy children with JIA and 30 healthy children individually matched for age, sex, race, and county of residence were included in this study. Serum levels of calcium(Ca), phosphorus (Ph), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), RANKL and (OPG) were measured. Urinary concentration of deoxypyridinoline (DPD) was also done. All involved joints were assessed by plain radiography. Results: Significant low serum concentrations of ALP and OPG was observed in JIA group, while there was a significant increase in serum level of RANKL and urine level of DPD compared to controls. OPG/RANKL ratio was significantly lower in JIA patients than in controls. OPG/RANKL ratio is correlated with most clinical characteristics, disease activity variables, JIA outcome measures and radiographic findings. DPD, RANKL and OPG/RANKL ratio, respectively,are considered as independent predictors of juxta-articular osteoporosis. OPG/RANKL ratio was the only predictor of bone erosion. Conclusion: The OPG/RANKL ratio could be an early predictor of increased bone resorption and a valuable biomarker for joint inflammation and bone injury in JIA patients.

Abstract Aim(s) of the work: To explore early changes in the predictors of bone turnover in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). To identify osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-jB ligand (OPG/RANKL) ratio in the serum of the same patients and its relation to the parameters of joint inflammation and joint destruction. Patients and methods: Seventy children with JIA and 30 healthy children individually matched for age, sex, race, and county of residence were included in this study. Serum levels of calcium(Ca), phosphorus (Ph), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), RANKL and (OPG) were measured. Urinary concentration of deoxypyridinoline (DPD) was also done. All involved joints were assessed by plain radiography. Results: Significant low serum concentrations of ALP and OPG was observed in JIA group, while there was a significant increase in serum level of RANKL and urine level of DPD compared to controls. OPG/RANKL ratio was significantly lower in JIA patients than in controls. OPG/RANKL ratio is correlated with most clinical characteristics, disease activity variables, JIA outcome measures and radiographic findings. DPD, RANKL and OPG/RANKL ratio, respectively,are considered as independent predictors of juxta-articular osteoporosis. OPG/RANKL ratio was the only predictor of bone erosion. Conclusion: The OPG/RANKL ratio could be an early predictor of increased bone resorption and a valuable biomarker for joint inflammation and bone injury in JIA patients.

Abstract Aim(s) of the work: To explore early changes in the predictors of bone turnover in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). To identify osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-jB ligand (OPG/RANKL) ratio in the serum of the same patients and its relation to the parameters of joint inflammation and joint destruction. Patients and methods: Seventy children with JIA and 30 healthy children individually matched for age, sex, race, and county of residence were included in this study. Serum levels of calcium(Ca), phosphorus (Ph), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), RANKL and (OPG) were measured. Urinary concentration of deoxypyridinoline (DPD) was also done. All involved joints were assessed by plain radiography. Results: Significant low serum concentrations of ALP and OPG was observed in JIA group, while there was a significant increase in serum level of RANKL and urine level of DPD compared to controls. OPG/RANKL ratio was significantly lower in JIA patients than in controls. OPG/RANKL ratio is correlated with most clinical characteristics, disease activity variables, JIA outcome measures and radiographic findings. DPD, RANKL and OPG/RANKL ratio, respectively,are considered as independent predictors of juxta-articular osteoporosis. OPG/RANKL ratio was the only predictor of bone erosion. Conclusion: The OPG/RANKL ratio could be an early predictor of increased bone resorption and a valuable biomarker for joint inflammation and bone injury in JIA patients.

Abstract Background. Rapid rate magnetic stimulation of human sacral nerve roots can reduce stress incontinence. Objective. To test stimulation for urgency incontinence due to lumbosacral plexopathy. Methods. The authors studied patients with intractable neurogenic urinary dysfunction due to lumbosacral nerve injuries. Eligible patients were randomized to receive either real or sham repetitive lumbosacral magnetic stimulation (rLMS; 15 Hz with a total of 1500 pulses/session) for 10 sessions. Evaluation was performed before starting treatment, immediately after the 5th and 10th treatment session, and 1 month later, using rating scales to score urinary dysfunction and a visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess lower back pain. Posterior tibial nerve F-wave and H-reflexes were tested before and after treatment. Results. Both treatment and control groups were comparable for baseline characters and sphincteric disturbances. The mean number of voids and incontinence per 24 hours was significantly reduced in patients who received rLMS. The improvement was maintained 1 month after the end of treatment. Patients receiving real-rLMS also reported an improvement in VAS ratings. Improvement in F-wave and H-reflex latencies after real stimulation (P = .002 and P = .036, respectively) was found as well. Conclusion. rLMS at 15 Hz may improve urinary dysfunction secondary to lumbosacral nerve injury. Further trials can determine the profile of patients who may benefit and optimal stimulation parameters.

Abstract Background. Rapid rate magnetic stimulation of human sacral nerve roots can reduce stress incontinence. Objective. To test stimulation for urgency incontinence due to lumbosacral plexopathy. Methods. The authors studied patients with intractable neurogenic urinary dysfunction due to lumbosacral nerve injuries. Eligible patients were randomized to receive either real or sham repetitive lumbosacral magnetic stimulation (rLMS; 15 Hz with a total of 1500 pulses/session) for 10 sessions. Evaluation was performed before starting treatment, immediately after the 5th and 10th treatment session, and 1 month later, using rating scales to score urinary dysfunction and a visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess lower back pain. Posterior tibial nerve F-wave and H-reflexes were tested before and after treatment. Results. Both treatment and control groups were comparable for baseline characters and sphincteric disturbances. The mean number of voids and incontinence per 24 hours was significantly reduced in patients who received rLMS. The improvement was maintained 1 month after the end of treatment. Patients receiving real-rLMS also reported an improvement in VAS ratings. Improvement in F-wave and H-reflex latencies after real stimulation (P = .002 and P = .036, respectively) was found as well. Conclusion. rLMS at 15 Hz may improve urinary dysfunction secondary to lumbosacral nerve injury. Further trials can determine the profile of patients who may benefit and optimal stimulation parameters.

Abstract Background. Rapid rate magnetic stimulation of human sacral nerve roots can reduce stress incontinence. Objective. To test stimulation for urgency incontinence due to lumbosacral plexopathy. Methods. The authors studied patients with intractable neurogenic urinary dysfunction due to lumbosacral nerve injuries. Eligible patients were randomized to receive either real or sham repetitive lumbosacral magnetic stimulation (rLMS; 15 Hz with a total of 1500 pulses/session) for 10 sessions. Evaluation was performed before starting treatment, immediately after the 5th and 10th treatment session, and 1 month later, using rating scales to score urinary dysfunction and a visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess lower back pain. Posterior tibial nerve F-wave and H-reflexes were tested before and after treatment. Results. Both treatment and control groups were comparable for baseline characters and sphincteric disturbances. The mean number of voids and incontinence per 24 hours was significantly reduced in patients who received rLMS. The improvement was maintained 1 month after the end of treatment. Patients receiving real-rLMS also reported an improvement in VAS ratings. Improvement in F-wave and H-reflex latencies after real stimulation (P = .002 and P = .036, respectively) was found as well. Conclusion. rLMS at 15 Hz may improve urinary dysfunction secondary to lumbosacral nerve injury. Further trials can determine the profile of patients who may benefit and optimal stimulation parameters.

Abstract Background. Rapid rate magnetic stimulation of human sacral nerve roots can reduce stress incontinence. Objective. To test stimulation for urgency incontinence due to lumbosacral plexopathy. Methods. The authors studied patients with intractable neurogenic urinary dysfunction due to lumbosacral nerve injuries. Eligible patients were randomized to receive either real or sham repetitive lumbosacral magnetic stimulation (rLMS; 15 Hz with a total of 1500 pulses/session) for 10 sessions. Evaluation was performed before starting treatment, immediately after the 5th and 10th treatment session, and 1 month later, using rating scales to score urinary dysfunction and a visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess lower back pain. Posterior tibial nerve F-wave and H-reflexes were tested before and after treatment. Results. Both treatment and control groups were comparable for baseline characters and sphincteric disturbances. The mean number of voids and incontinence per 24 hours was significantly reduced in patients who received rLMS. The improvement was maintained 1 month after the end of treatment. Patients receiving real-rLMS also reported an improvement in VAS ratings. Improvement in F-wave and H-reflex latencies after real stimulation (P = .002 and P = .036, respectively) was found as well. Conclusion. rLMS at 15 Hz may improve urinary dysfunction secondary to lumbosacral nerve injury. Further trials can determine the profile of patients who may benefit and optimal stimulation parameters.