Evaluation of serum lipoproteins - A and its Association with Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Several studies suggest that lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] act as acute phase reactant and is associated with early atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thus، the purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of serum LP (a) and its association with inflammatory markers in RA patients compared to healthy individuals. The study participants consisted of 100 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 100 healthy controls. The concentration of LP (a)، RF،CRP was measured using Immunoturbidometric method. Average of lipoprotein - a in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was 32. 41 ± 2. 33 SDmg/dl which was significantly higher than the control group with a mean concentration of 20. 50 ± 1. 03 SD mg/ dl (P=. 001). The results showed that patient''s serum lipoproteins – a concentrations was higher significantly in women with rheumatoid arthritis (34. 63 ± 25. 020mg/dl) than women in the control group (20. 60 ± 10. 56 mg/dl) (P = 0. 001). However، no significant difference was observed between the mean serum LP (a) concentrations in male patients and the control (p = 0. 304). CRP mean was 4. 05 ±2. 04 SDmg/dl and 17. 87±1. 48 SD mg/dl respectively in control and patient groups. Furthermore، RF mean in control and patient groups was 9. 11±2. 33SDmg/dl and 15. 42 ± 8. 64SD mg/dl respectively. The female patients'' serum LP (a) concentration was higher significantly than females in the control group. Therefore، it can be concluded that increased concentration of lipoprotein - a may be associated with the patient''s sex.