The frequency and clinical significance of anti-RNP antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are still a matter of debate. In this study we report our experience with a series of 123 unselected Italian patients (93 adults and 30 children) suffering from SLE according to the ARA criteria. Anti-RNP were detected by counterimmunoelectrophoresis in 25 patients (20%), 19 of whom did not show other antibodies to extractable antigens (isolated RNP). Our study shows a striking association between anti-RNP and arthritis as well as between anti-RNP and Raynaud's phenomenon. In addition, we found an association between anti-RNP and lack of renal involvement. This association was limited to those patients with isolated RNP and was independent of the presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies. These data were confirmed by a 50 month follow-up study.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Sun exposure and the polymyalgia rheumatica-giant cell arteritis complex.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Female↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Anterior chest wall arthritis and osteitis associated with Sneddon-Wilkinson disease.

We describe a 46-year-old man in whom anterior chest wall arthritis and clavicular osteomyelitis occurred together with sub-corneal pustular dermatosis (Sneddon-Wilkinson disease). This observation extends the list of neutrophilic skin lesions that may be involved in the so-called SAPHO syndrome.

Arthritis, Psoriatic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs): an emerging family of autoantigens in rheumatic diseases.

In eukaryotic cells, mature mRNA molecules are produced through the extensive post-transcriptional processing of primary transcripts assembled in ribonucleoprotein complexes. Twenty polypeptides, termed heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins or hnRNPs, have been identified as the major components of such complexes. Although these proteins were identified more than 30 years ago, their role in RNA metabolism is just beginning to emerge. In contrast to previous models that ascribed to hnRNPs a mere structural function, recent data suggest a direct involvement in several aspects of the RNA life, such splicing, export of the mature mRNAs to the cell cytoplasm and translation. In addition, a growing body of evidence points to hnRNPs as an important target of the autoimmune response in rheumatic diseases. The present paper will review some of the most relevant data concerning the structure, function and autoantigenic properties of the hnRNPs.

Autoantigens↗