Objective. To study main parameters of immune status, disease activity measures and serum cytokines profile in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pts with anemia. Material and methods. 20 pts with RA were examined before disease modifying drugs administration. They were divided into 2 groups: with anemia (9 pts) and without it (11 pts). Clinical and laboratory measures of disease activity immune status indices, and serum cytokine levels were compared in these groups. Correlation of hemoglobin level with RA activity measures and serum cytokine levels was analyzed. Results. Pts with anemia had higher clinical and laboratory activity measures (ESR, fibrinogen, CRP, fibrin degradation products and morning stiffness). Granulocytes and monocytes phagocytosis ability in this group was increased, monocytes activity index was significantly lower and interferon у level was significantly increased. Hemoglobin level showed an inverse correlation with RA activity measures and serum proinflammatory cytokine levels (interferon γ, TNF α and IL 6). Conclusion. Development of anemia in RA is usually accompanied by high disease activity. High level of interferon γ may be one of the causes of anemia development. Its neutralization may become a perspective direction of RA anticytokine therapy.
Clinical trails of Befnorin based on the human recombinant TNF-beta elaborated at the Research Design and Technology Institute of Biologically Active Substances, "Vector" State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, were carried out on healthy volunteers in compliance with a decision passed by the Committee of Medical and Immunobiological Preparations, Russia's Health Ministry. Single Befnorin doses of 5-10(4) U, 10(5) U, 5-10(5) U, and 10(6) U were administered as intramuscular injections. Clinical, biochemical and immunological parameters were registered for 7 days after a single dose. The drug had an impact on the below immunity indices: Fc-phagocytosis of monocytes, migration index and migration inhibition index. The dose of 10(5) U was proven to be most effective and safe. Supposedly, the drug can be effective in the treatment of herpetic diseases.