Serum Prolactin: A diagnostic Marker in Fertile Female Suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: RA is more common in females due to sex hormones such as estrogen and prolactin which modulate the immune response. Prolactin is similar to growth hormone and placentary lactogen and is secreted by pituitary lactotrophs having an immune stimulatory effect promoting autoimmunity.  Elevated level of prolactin in RA run parallels with fluctuation of disease activity. Prolactin is required for interleukin-2 dependent proliferation of lymphoid cell. Level of estradiol increases with disease severity. Its levels are higher in inflammatory knee exudates of patient with RA.

Study Design:  Experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, BMSI, in collaboration of Medical Ward 6, JPMC Karachi (October 2009 to March 2010.

Materials and Methods: 35 diagnosed cases of RA were selected with their consent. From general population, thirty five normal healthy subjects were selected for comparison. In the present study the serum levels of prolactin, estrogen, ESR, and RA factor were determined.

Results: The results of our study showed that in patients suffering from RA showed highly significant results (p<0.001) of prolactin, estrogen, ESR and RA factor.

Conclusion: Increased serum status of prolactin and estrogen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), may serve as marker for diagnosis, and prognosis.