Evaluation of Serum Antioxidants in Rheumatoid Arthritis of Iraqi Women

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) , an autoimmune condition affecting joints, affects 1% of Iraqi patients. A study highlights the importance of antioxidant levels in treating RA, emphasizing the role of antioxidant markers in disease treatment and the need for balance in autoimmune conditions. Objectives: The presented work aimed to investigate the effect of rheumatoid arthritis on antioxidant status such as superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity in sera of Iraqi women. Materials and Methods: A case-control study involving 130 female subjects with ages ranging between 35-65 years, who were divided into two groups: 70 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 60 apparently healthy individuals as a control. Serum superoxide dismutase activity levels and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured using an ELISA technique Results: The study revealed a significant decrease in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and TAC represented by Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), in blood capacity, respectively, when comparing patients to a healthy control group. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis for SOD and FRAP, respectively, also showed high sensitivity and high specificity . Conclusion: Antioxidant levels play an important role in the pathophysiology of RA, so SOD and FRAP can be considered biomarkers for the evaluation of RA. Maintaining a balance between oxidative and antioxidant status is essential in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.