Serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative joint disease and their pharmacological implications.

Serum copper concentration and ceruloplasmin activity were measured in patients with clinically established rheumatoid arthritis (R.A.) during the active phase, in patients with degenerative joint disease (D.J.D.) and in normal subjects. Copper and ceruloplasmin serum levels are significantly increased (P less than 0.01) in the arthritic group, but not in the degenerative joint disease group. Copper and ceruloplasmin levels are high significantly correlated in all the groups. This parallel enhancement of serum copper and ceruloplasmin in R.A. is commented in view of a possible protective role of endogenous copper and/or ceruloplasmin in inflammation.