High levels of the proNGF peptides LIP1 and
LIP2 in the serum and synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients: Evidence
for two new cytokines
The proNGF peptides LIP1 and LIP2 display multiple biological
and physiological properties several of which share common features with the
nerve growth factor (NGF). The objective of this study was firstly to
demonstrate the presence of these peptides in the human sera and secondly to
provide evidence for their involvement in inflammatory diseases. Their levels
measured by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were found to be
more than 10-fold higher in sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as
compared to healthy controls. High levels of LIP1 and LIP2 were also detected in
the synovial fluid (SF) of RA patients. These results provide first evidence for
a cytokine-like role of the LIP1 and LIP2 peptides.
Dicou E. J Neuroimmunol. 2007 Dec 26 [Epub ahead of
print]
