الفهرس 
Rheumatoid arthritisOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RAJ is a chronic mutlisystcm disease of
unknown cause with a varity of systemic mainfestations Wilh
chamcteristic persistent inflarnmutory sjnovitis. The prevalence of RA is
approsim.1lely O,8~. of the populalion(O’;-2.10o). lI’omen are affected
approximately three limes more than men and the prevalence increases
with age. RA is seen throughoutthe world and affects all races. The onset
is most frequent during the fourth and fifth decades oflife. Recentdata
indicate that the incidence of RA may be diminishing. The course of RA
is quire variable nnd difficult loprediclinanindil’idualpalienl.i\’losl
patients experience persistent bill fluctuating disease activity.
accompaniedb}’a\’ariabkdeg~ofjoinlabnormaliliesandfunctional
impainnE·I1I(Lip$~J”.lOO.’i)
CJ)14 is a glucosylphospbalidylinositol (GP1) anchored prOlein
expressed on the surface of various cells including monocytes.
macrophages. polymorpbnnclcar neutrophils. choudrocytes. B cells.
denderitic cells. gingival fibroblasts. kernunocytes nnd human intestinal
eptithchal cells (Bas et 111., lOOJ).
TheexactfunCliOllofCDI4isnOIY<’l\\·ellddinl.’d.llmayfunction
as a receptor for lipopolysaccharide. the major cell wall component of
GT:llll negative bactcria.Tt has been suggested that sCDI4 could be an
lICule phase protein. because aparl from protease mediated shedding from
leukocytes. sCDl4 is also produced by bcpatocytcs. which represent a
m.,jorsourceofAPP(Ariaselal”lOOOj.