The Contribution of Synovial Fluid Lipoproteins to the Chronic Synovitis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Lipids in the synovial fluid of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis are elevated compared to normal synovial fluid and that of other inflammatory arthropathies. Various assumptions about the role of these lipids have been made. This study offers evidence that these lipids may contribute to the synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis through participation in the arachidonic pathway within the joint space. Phospholipase A₂ activity, phospholipids, prostaglandin E₂, and leukotriene B₄ have been correlated in the synovial fluid and plasma of untreated rheumatoid patients and compared with that of patients with osteoarthritis.