Soluble oligonucleosomal complexes in synovial fluid from inflamed joints

Abstract

Synovial fluids from inflamed joints contain oligonucleosomal DNA typical of that released during apoptotic cell death. The probable source is fluid-phase neutrophils undergoing apoptotic cell death, although this was not directly demonstrated. The concentrations are sufficient to have biologic activity similar to that shown in vitro, including lymphoproliferation and stimulation of interleukin-6 secretion. A mechanism by which oligonucleosomal DNA may contribute to perpetuation of rheumatoid synovitis is proposed. If it is generalizable to other sites of inflammation, as seems probable, similar oligonucleosomal DNA release accompanying inflammation may play a pathogenetic role in other disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus.