Activities of enzymes that hydrolyze adenine nucleotides in platelets from patients with rheumatoid arthritis

ObjectivesTo investigate whether there are changes in the activity of the enzymes NTPDase, 5′-nucleotidase, E-NPP and ADA in platelets from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Design and methodsThirty-five RA patients diagnosed with RA through American College of Rheumatology criteria, as well as 35 healthy patients were selected. NTPDase, 5′-nucleotidase, E-NPP and ADA activities were verified in platelets isolated from these patients.ResultsThe results demonstrate that an increase in NTPDase (approximately 100%), 5′-nucleotidase (170%), E-NPP (approximately 100%) and ADA (approximately 45%) activities occurred in RA patients when compared to the control group.ConclusionsOurs results suggest an increase in the NTPDase, 5′-nucleotidase and E-NPP activities, which could be related to a compensatory organic response to excessive platelet aggregation which occurs during the inflammation. The increased ADA activity found in this work could lead to a decrease in the adenosine concentration in the circulation, which could explain the accelerated atherosclerosis found in patients with RA.