INCREASED LEVELS OF LIPID OXIDATION-PRODUCTS IN LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS OF PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

9-Hydroxy-10,12-octadecadienoic acid (9-HODE) and 13-hydroxy-9,11-octa decadienoic acid (13-HODE) are accumulated in the low density lipoprot eins of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for a factor of 2 0-50 compared to healthy individuals of the same age. Both acids, deri ved by lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid, induce the release of inte rleukin 1 beta. The latter induces bone degression. The genesis of 9- and 13-HODE seems therefore to be an important factor in the developme nt and progression of rheuma; in addition 9-HODE was reported to be a stimulus of inflammation, comparable to leukotrienes. (C) 1997 Elsevie r Science Ireland Ltd.