What Researchers Did
Researchers measured superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in synovial fluid, its leukocytes, synovial membrane, and blood leukocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients, also investigating the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on SOD activity, lipoperoxide values, ESR, and Lansbury's index.
What They Found
They found that SOD levels in synovial fluid and its leukocytes were higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to osteoarthritis patients. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increased SOD activity and decreased lipoperoxide values, while also leading to a remarkable recovery in ESR and Lansbury's index.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted in Japan and does not involve Canadian researchers or participants.
Study Limitations
The abstract does not detail the study's methodology, such as sample size or the presence of a control group for the hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which limits the generalizability of the findings.