Effect of antibodies to red cell superoxide dismutase on its activity in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

A relationship is revealed between the level of antibodies to superoxide dismutase and the activity, course, and form of a disease. The production of antibodies to red cell superoxide dismutase increases as the pathological process progresses. By reducing the resistance of erythrocyte membranes to reactive oxygen species, antibodies to red cell superoxide dismutase promote the development of anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The results indicate that inhibition of the active center of this enzyme by specific immunoglobulins is one of the causes of reduced activity of red cell superoxide dismutase or the lack of an appreciable increase in its activity during hyperproduction of reactive oxygen species.