Scanning electron microscopy of fibrin networks in rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative analysis (original) (raw)

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects mainly synovial joints and has an impact on approximately 1% of the Western population. The coagulation process is altered in this condition, and this is frequently complicated by thrombocytosis. Changes in fibrin morphology have been linked with inflammation, and this, in turn, plays an important role in thrombosis. Changes in the fibrin fiber formation cause the alterations observed in thrombus morphology. In the current study, the ultrastructure of platelets and fibrin networks was investigated to determine whether any morphological changes are present in these structures in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Six patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis took part in this study, and their clot morphology was compared to that of control subjects. Citrated blood with and without the addition of thrombin was used. Results indicated that the fibrin networks in the arthritis patients formed thick, matted layers. This matted appearance is due to a changed ultrastructure of the minor, thin fibers. Also, in these patients, spontaneous networks were created without the addition of thrombin, which indicates an abnormal hemostatic protein functioning, and the latter is expressed as visible changes in ultrastructure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, BMW Building, PO Box 2034, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
    Etheresia Pretorius, Hester Magdalena Oberholzer, Wendy Jeannette van der Spuy & Albe Carina Swanepoel
  2. Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
    Prashilla Soma

Authors

  1. Etheresia Pretorius
  2. Hester Magdalena Oberholzer
  3. Wendy Jeannette van der Spuy
  4. Albe Carina Swanepoel
  5. Prashilla Soma

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Correspondence toEtheresia Pretorius.

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Pretorius, E., Oberholzer, H.M., van der Spuy, W.J. et al. Scanning electron microscopy of fibrin networks in rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative analysis.Rheumatol Int 32, 1611–1615 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-011-1805-2

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