[Importance of beta-glucuronidase activity and glycosaminoglycan concentration in synovial fluid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in estimating local inflammation].

In 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the activity of beta-glucuronidase and the content of sulfated and non-sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAG) were measured in synovial fluid (SF) and in the cells of SF. It has been established that as the local inflammation increases, the activity of the enzyme and the content of sulfated GAG in SF also rise. This is accompanied by simultaneous reduction of beta-glucuronidase activity in the cells and by the drop of the hyaluronic acid content in SF.