Distinct effects of methotrexate and etanercept on the B cell compartment in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

B cells have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Current treatments include the disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs methotrexate (MTX) and tumor necrosis factor α inhibition with etanercept. This study was undertaken to determine how these drugs influence the B cell compartment in patients with JIA.

Methods

B cell subpopulations and follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in the peripheral blood of JIA patients were investigated by multicolor flow cytometry. Serum immunoglobulin and BAFF levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

There was a significant decrease in transitional B cells and significantly lower serum immunoglobulin levels in patients recei

SUBMITTER: Glaesener S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4288311 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature