The aim of this study was to explore the impact of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and the disease-related variables on the patients' sexual function according to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scoring system. A total of 70 sexually active male AS patients and 60 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Their demographic data were evaluated, and the pain was assessed according to the visual analogue scale (VAS). Laboratory tests were conducted in order to measure the C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) of the patients. The disease activity was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Functional statement was evaluated with the help of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and with the scores obtained from the spinal measurements with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI). The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index (BASRI) was used to evaluate the radiological damage. The disease-related quality of life was measured with the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL). The anxiety and depression level of the patients was revealed through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). In comparison with the healthy control group, patients with AS had significantly lower scores in each of the 5 domains of the IIEF (p < 0.0001). The BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, BASRI, ASQoL, HADS scores and CRP levels were negatively correlated with IIEF (p < 0.05). Orgasmic function and sexual desire scores were significantly lower in patients with peripheral arthritis (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed with the disease duration, smoking status, pain (VAS), and ESR levels when the total scores and the scores from the domains of IIEF were compared. The multivariate regression analyses indicated that BASFI and BASMI were independently associated with the sexual function. The sexual function is impaired in male patients with AS. This impairment in the sexual function is especially correlated with the BASFI and BASMI among the clinical and laboratory parameters.

This study was carried out to determine the serum levels of high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to evaluate its correlation with disease activity and quality of life. According to our knowledge, it is the first trial evaluating HMGB1 levels in AS. Serum samples of 30 patients (18 males and 12 females) with AS and 29 healthy controls (HC) (15 females and 14 males) were collected. HMGB1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, activity of disease was assessed according to the Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and functional status of patients was evaluated with Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI). Modified Schober, chest expansion values and AS Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL) scores were noted. The serum levels of HMGB1 were obtained significantly increased in AS patients compared to HC (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between HMGB1 levels and ESR (p > 0.05), and CRP (p > 0.05) values. BASDAI, BASFI and ASQoL scores were also not correlated with serum levels of HMGB1 (p > 0.05). Our results suggest that HMGB1 might play an important role in the pathogenesis of AS; however, it seems not to be a good candidate for reflecting disease activity, functional abilities and the quality of life in patients with AS; on the other hand, the increased levels of HMGB1 in patients may open a new dimension for targeting this cytokine as a new therapy option in AS.

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BackgroundThe aim of this study is to investigate the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to determine the relationship between the clinical and laboratory parameters of RA and the components of the metabolic syndrome (MS).MethodsFifty-four patients with RA and 52 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria and the diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome was made according to the criteria set out in the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI). The functional status and disease activity were also recorded in patients with RA.ResultsMS was diagnosed in 42.6% of the patients with RA and in 9.6% of the healthy controls. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were observed to be significantly higher in the patients with RA in comparison to the controls. Also, the frequency of MS was higher in the inferior functional group in relation to the higher functional group. A positive correlation was observed between the DAS28 scores and hypertension in patients with RA.ConclusionsIn this study, MS was more frequently detected in the patients with RA compared to the control group. Also, an inferior functional status in RA was also found to be associated with the presence of MS. Thus, the presence of MS in patients with RA may be associated with a higher cardiovascular risk.

HMGB1 protein might be a good laboratory-sourced candidate for the assessment of functional status and disease severity in patients with FM.