[Change in biomarkers of osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with infliximab].
A study was made to evaluate bone turn-over in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with infliximab. Twenty-two patients with established RA were included. In all patients, biochemical markers of osteoporosis: osteocalcin (BGP), alkaline phosphatase (bone isoenzyme), deoxypyridinoline (Dpd), acute phase proteins (CRP, AGP, ACT, AGP-RC), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were determined before treatment, at week 30, and at week 46. Two markers (BGP, Dpd) were significantly decreased at both weeks 30 and 46. Moreover, a fall in serum levels of acute phase proteins and IL-6 was seen. The results suggest that anti-TNF treatment with infliximab not only decreases activity of inflammation but also may slow down bone turn-over. Further research is needed to assess its potential in reducing risk of osteoporosis in RA.