Is IgG galactosylation the relevant factor for pregnancy-induced remission of rheumatoid arthritis?
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
20236448
Abstract
During pregnancy, most patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience spontaneous improvement of their disease activity. Among the soluble candidates that have been investigated in search for the most relevant disease-remitting factor are the galactosylation levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG). In RA, a higher percentage of IgG lacking the terminal galactose residues, thought to play a pro-inflammatory role, is found. During pregnancy, however, IgG galactosylation levels increase and correlate with improved disease activity. The question remains whether the increase in IgG galactosylation during pregnancy is a mere epiphenomenon or a true remission-inducing factor.
Date Issued
2010
Publication Type
Article
Language(s)
en
Additional Credits
Journal
Arthritis research & therapy
Publisher
BioMed Central
ISSN
1478-6354
Access(Rights)
open.access