Serum proteins--transferrin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, alpha 1-antitrypsin--in rheumatic disorders.

Serum levels of carrier proteins, transferrin, ceruloplasmin and albumin were determined in patients with rheumatic disorders, along with serum levels of acute phase proteins, ceruloplasmin, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and alpha 1-antitrypsin. Depressed levels of transferrin occurred in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Albumin was reduced in SLE and RA men. Acute phase reactants which are protective in inflammation were elevated in RA, osteoarthritis (OA), gout, pseudogout (PsG), and SLE. All of these rheumatic disorders show biochemical changes compatible with systemic inflammatory disease including gout and PsG which are considered local disorders and OA which is considered noninflammatory arthritis.