To evaluate effects of low-intensity infrared impulse laser therapy (IRILT) on concentration of immunity activation [not readable: see text] (soluble receptors of TNF-alpha and neopterin) and indicator of the inflammation activity (concentration of C-reactive protein) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Enzyme immunoassay, radioimmunoassay, enzyme immunoassay and radial immunodiffusion were used to measure soluble receptors of TNF-alpha, neopterin and C-reactive protein in 38 females with verified RA receiving IRILT or sham procedures.
IRILT induced lowering of neopterin, TNF-alpha soluble receptors (p < 0.01) and C-reactive protein (p < 0.01).
The findings give pathogenetical grounds for IRILT use in RA as this treatment suppresses functional activity of macrophages which serve the main source of neopterin and the receptors synthesis.