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Arthritis, Rheumatoid -> Nitric Oxide, excess

Overview

T cells from RA patients have been shown to produce increased levels of nitric oxide. NO is thought to lead to necrosis, rather than apoptosis, by decreasing intracellular ATP, thus promoting chronic inflammation via release of intracellular antigens. iNOS knockout models have shown resistance to IL-1 induced bone resorption, suggesting a primary role of NO in RA pathogenesis.

References (evidence level: 3b - single-expert opinion w/data review)

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Farrell AJ, Blake DR, Palmer RM, et al. Increased concentrations of nitrite in synovial fluid and serum samples suggest increased nitric oxide synthesis in rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis. 1992 Nov;51(11)1219-22.
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