Serum copper and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase in rheumatoid arthritis.

Serum copper and thiol levels an caeruloplasmin activity were determined and compared with measurements of articular index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and zinc and haemoglobin levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Superoxide dismutase activity, thiol, zinc, and copper levels of haemolysate were measured and compared with each other and to the above parameters. In serum, caeruloplasmin activity increased and thiol levels decreased, whereas in the haemolysate superoxide dismutase activity decreased and thiol levels increased. It is suggested that the changes in copper levels and in the activities of process which may be copper-dependent between plasma and cytosol in patients with rheumatoid arthritis reflect a change in oxidative status of the blood which may have implications in the pathogenesis of the disease.