β1,4-Galactosyltransferase-I contributes to the inflammatory processes in synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

The aim of the study is to examine the expression and possible biological function of β1,4-galactosyltransferase-I (β1,4-GalT-I) in synovial tissue from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

METHODS

Synovial tissue samples from twelve RA patients were stained for β1,4-GalT-I. Samples from seven patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and eight healthy people were obtained as controls. Real-time PCR or western blot analysis was used to observe the expression of β1,4-GalT-I and E-selectin. Cellular colocalization of β1,4-GalT-I, galactose-containing glycans and other molecules was analyzed by double immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Expression of β1,4-GalT-I and galactose-containing glycans increased in synovial tissue of RA patients compared with OA patients and healthy controls. Most galactose-containing glycans and β1,4-GalT-I were expressed in inflammatory cells. E-selectin overexpressed and was correlated with galactose-containing glycans in RA synovial tissue.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that β1,4-GalT-I may play an important role in the inflammatory processes in synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.