Терапевтический архив (May 2011)
Methotrexate-induced changes in the concentration of antibodies to modified citrulnated vimentin in blood serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Abstract
Aim. To study effects of methotrexate on the titer of antibodies to mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) and ascertain possibility of using this marker for control of treatment results and choice of individual effective dose of the drug. Material and methods. A 12-month trial included 76 patients with verified rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methotrexate per os was given in a dose 7.5-10 mg/week to 44(57.9%) patients, 25 patients received no basic therapy. Anti-MCV (IU/ml) were detected with commercial chemicals made in Germany (ORGENTEC). Results. RA patients given methotrexate doses 7.5 and 10 mg/week and untreated with basic anti-inflammatory drugs showed no significant differences by basic clinical and device parameters, level of anti-MCV at primary examination and 12 months later. Conclusion. Anti-MCV titer cannot be used for control of efficacy of methotrexate treatment in doses 75 and 10 mg/week, choice of individual effective doses.