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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Simultaneous evaluation of in vivo glucocorticoid sensitivity and expression of glucocorticoid receptor alpha-isoform in rheumatoid arthritis patients

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Author(s):
Cobra, Jayme F. [1] ; Melo, Murilo R. [2] ; Faria, Claudia D. C. [2] ; Longui, Carlos Alberto [2] ; Monte, Osmar [2]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Fac Med Sci, Rheumatol Discipline, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Fac Med Sci, Dept Physiol, Mol Med Lab, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Arquivos Brasileiros de Endocrinologia e Metabologia; v. 53, n. 1, p. 24-30, FEB 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 6
Abstract

Objectives: To analyze glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity using intravenous very low dose dexamethasone suppression test (IV-VLD-DST) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its correlation with glucocorticoid receptor alpha-isoform (GR alpha) gene expression. Methods: We evaluated 20 healthy controls and 32 RA patients with Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Disease Activity Score 28 joints (DAS) scores and IV-VLD-DST and GR alpha expression in mononuclear cells. Results: Basal cortisol and the percentage of cortisol reduction after IV-VLD-DST were lower in RA patients than in controls, whereas GR alpha expression was similar among groups. In the RA group there was an inverse correlation between GR alpha expression and the percentage of cortisol suppression that was not observed in controls. There was a direct relationship between DAS and GR alpha expression. Conclusions: Mechanisms involved in GC resistance observed in patients with RA are possibly not at the level of GR alpha gene expression, since it was similar among groups and GR alpha increased with disease activity. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2009;53(1):24-30. (AU)