A comparison of glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy adults.

A 30% increase in erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GP) activity was found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis when compared with healthy controls (p = 0.001) whereas the increase in glutathione reductase (GR) was statistically insignificant. No correlation was found between the activities of the enzymes and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The enzyme activities were independent of age, sex, or type of drug treatment of the patients. A possible interpretation of the results is presented.