HIGH SERUM PROLACTIN LEVELS IN MEN WITH RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

Objective. High prolactin (PRL) levels have been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus, Reiter's syndrome, and psoriatic arthritis. Howev er, results of PRL investigations in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are con tradictory. We evaluated the PRL status in men with RA and the possibl e effect on bone mineral density (BMD). Methods, We studied 91 men wit h RA and 68 controls. PRL serum levels were analyzed under standardize d conditions, Sex hormones (testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEAS) were also studied. BMD was analyzed at L2-L4 and the femoral neck by H ologic QDR1000. Comparative tests, linear correlations, and multiple r egression analysis were performed. Results, Serum PRL levels were sign ificantly higher in men with RA (249 +/- 162 mU/l) than in controls (1 89 +/- 85 mU/l) (p = 0.0015). High PRL levels were significantly corre lated with the duration of RA (r = 0.23; p = 0.01) and with functional stage according to the Steinbrocker classification (r = 0.24; p = 0.0 1). High PRL concentrations were not correlated with the low levels of androgens observed in males with RA. Femoral BMD showed a negative co rrelation with PRL concentrations (r = 0.20; p = 0.04). Nevertheless, PRL was not a significant determinant of BMD. Conclusion. Men with RA have high serum PRL levels and concentrations increase with longer dis ease evolution and worse functional stage. Prolactin levels do not hav e a direct effect on BMD.