EFFECTS ON FIBROGENESIS MARKERS OF RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS THERAPY WITH METHOTREXATE

Objective. To evaluate the level of 2 serum markers of hepatic fibroge nesis, aminoterminal peptide of type III procollagen (NPIIIP) and lami nin P1 fragment (Lam), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis at baseli ne and after one year of low dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Methods. Serum levels of NPIIIP and Lam were measured in 20 patients, 17 women and 3 men, mean age 48.83 +/- 9.25 yrs before and after MTX treatment and compared to levels from 20 sex and age matched, healthy controls. Results. The baseline values of NPIIIP was higher in patients than in controls; it normalized after MTX treatment, The Lam level did not di ffer between patients and controls; moreover, it did not change after treatment. Conclusion. Low dose MTX therapy does not increase serum in dicator levels of hepatic fibrogenesis.