Background . Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a sympathetic neurotransmitter with effects on the regulation of inflammatory cells. The role of NPY on autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not completely understood. Therefore, we evaluate if NPY levels are markers of disease activity in RA and if there is a correlation between NPY levels and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐ α ), leptin, and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) levels. Methods . Cross‐sectional design, including 108 women with RA. We assessed disease activity by DAS28‐ESR (considering active disease a score of ≥2.6). Serum NPY levels and anti‐CCP2 antibody, TNF‐ α , IL‐6, and leptin levels were quantified (ELISA). Results . Sixty‐eight RA had an active disease (RA‐active), and 40 were in remission (RA‐remission). RA‐active patients had higher NPY levels vs. RA‐remission (22.8 ± 13.6 vs. 17.8 ± 10.3; p = 0.04). NPY levels correlated with increased TNF‐ α levels ( r = 0.32, p = 0.001). Leptin or IL‐6 did not correlate with NPY levels. In the logistic regression analysis, NPY increased the risk of disease activity (OR: 1.04, 95% CI 1.006‐1.09, and p = 0.03). Conclusion . Higher NPY levels are an independent marker of disease activity in RA. This study encourages the quantification of NPY levels as a surrogate marker for RA‐active. Future studies evaluating the role of NPY levels interacting with other proinflammatory cytokines are required.

Several interleukin 6 gene (IL6) polymorphisms are implicated in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It has not yet been established with certainty if these polymorphisms are associated with the severe radiographic damage observed in some RA patients, particularly those with the development of joint bone ankylosis (JBA). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between severe radiographic damage in hands and the -174G/C and -572G/C IL6 polymorphisms in Mexican Mestizo people with RA. Mestizo adults with RA and long disease duration (>5 years) were classified into two groups according to the radiographic damage in their hands: a) severe radiographic damage (JBA and/or joint bone subluxations) and b) mild or moderate radiographic damage. We compared the differences in genotype and allele frequencies of -174G/C and -572G/C IL6 polymorphisms (genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) between these two groups. Our findings indicated that the -174G/C polymorphism of IL6 is associated with severe joint radiographic damage [maximum likelihood odds ratios (MLE_OR): 8.03; 95%CI 1.22-187.06; P = 0.03], whereas the -572G/C polymorphism of IL6 exhibited no such association (MLE_OR: 1.5; 95%CI 0.52-4.5; P = 0.44). Higher anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody levels were associated with more severe joint radiographic damage (P = 0.04). We conclude that there is a relevant association between the -174G/C IL6 polymorphism and severe radiographic damage. Future studies in other populations are required to confirm our findings.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Cassia acutifolia on the obesity and the glucose levels in a rat model of obesity and diabetes. By random selection, 36 Wistar male rats were divided in two control groups, the positive and the negative control groups, and into four experimental groups receiving different infusions of Cassia acutifolia in water ad libitum. The results revealed a statistically significant anti-obesogenic effect (P = 0.02), although this was not considered clinically significant. Additionally, Cassia acutifolia lowered the glucose levels by 30 mg/dL to 90 mg/dL (P = 0.05). However, we observed adverse effects in the liver, a two-fold increase in transaminase levels (P = 0.002), and in the kidneys, decreased creatinine levels (P = 0.001), and these adverse effects had no viable explanation. Cassia acutifolia has anti-hyperglycemic effects in obese diabetic rats. However, Cassia acutifolia also has adverse effects, so it should not be administered to patients.

Anterior disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) is considered one of the most common disorders within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), with a prevalence of 41% in adults. Matrix metalloproteinases play an important role in the degradation of the TMJ and the matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) 1607 1G/2G polymorphism increases the local expression of MMP1 thus leading to accelerated degradation of the extracellular matrix. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the 1607 1G/2G polymorphism of MMP1 gene and DDWR in a group of Mexican individuals from western Mexico. A total of 67 unrelated individuals, between the ages of 18 and 36 years, of both genders, were included in this study. Study participants with DDWR were required to meet the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), while a second control group of 90 individuals without DDWR were also included. Both groups were required to have paternal and maternal ancestry (grandparents) of the same geographic and ethnic region. Genotypes were determined using the nested PCR technique. The 1G/2G polymorphism was found in 68.7%, followed by 2G/2G in 25.4% and 1G/1G in 6.0% of the cases group. While the prevalence in the control group was 55.5% for the 1G/2G polymorphism, 26.6% for 1G/1G and 17.7% for 2G/2G. An association was found between the 2G allele of the 1607 1G/2G polymorphism of MMP1 gene and the presence of DDWR in the patients of western Mexico.