Bone turnover markers in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate level of bone turnover markers (CTx, osteocalcin) in serum rheumatoid arthritis women. Materials and methods: 31 rheumatoid arthritis and 35 healthy women were included in the study. Serum level beta cross-laps (CTx), osteocalcin (Oc), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. In the rheumatoid arthritis group serum rheumatoid factor was measured. Results: CTx concentration in the serum rheumatoid arthritis patients was higher than in controls. Serum osteocalcin was at the same level in both groups. Bone degradation was insignificantly higher in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis women. Rheumatoid arthritis women have higher serum C-reactive protein concentration than the control group. The highest CRP level was characteristic for the seropositive rheumatoid arthritis patients. Conclusions: Bone turnover seems to be enhanced in rheumatoid arthritis women. Reconstruction of bone is probably not sufficient relative to bone resorption. It does not seem that the bone resorption was dependent on increased inflammatory process. Bone degradation is probably independent of presence of rheumatoid factor in serum.