Functional status of neutrophils and monocytes in rheumatoid arthritis

Phagocytes as an effector link of pathological immune reactions in rheumatoid arthritis, interacting with immune complexes, release into the environment lysosomal enzymes and oxygen radicals, which destroy synovial membrane and joint cartilage, which imparts autoantigenic properties to tissues. At the same time, neutrophils and monocytes phagocytize immune complexes and products of tissue destruction, contributing to their removal from the body. It can be assumed that in extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis, when the above processes develop in other organs, blood phagocytes will be more active than in isolated joint syndrome.