Comparative Analysis of Serum Proteins in Relation to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Periodontitis

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic periodontitis (CP) are chronic inflammatory conditions and share many pathologic features. The common molecular pathogenesis of the two inflammatory diseases is unclear. The aim of the present study is to evaluate serum protein profiles specific for patients with RA and CP by a comprehensive proteomic analysis.Methods: The study participants were: 10 patients with RA, 10 patients with CP, 10 patients with RA and CP, and 10 healthy controls. All groups were balanced for age, sex, and smoking status. Serum protein spot volume was examined with two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Proteins with significant differences in abundance among the four groups were determined with computer image analysis and identified with mass spectrometry and protein databases.Results: A total of 1,694 protein spots were obtained in sera of the four groups. Seven spots were significantly different in abundance among the four groups. Of these, ...