AKT1 and alkaline phosphatase measurement: In murine models of sepsis/endotoxemia, Akt kinase has been implicated in several inflammation-limiting functions, for example, suppression of the production of inflammatory cytokines and coagulation, accompanied by significant improvement in survival.15,16 Recently, we found that LPS-induced Akt phosphorylation in monocytes is decreased in newly diagnosed untreated RA and even more in treatment-irresponsive chronic RA.14 In the present study, LPS-induced pAkt levels were lower in monocytes of patients with AP than in those of HC.