 |
|
Oily fish can protect against RA, but smoking and psychosocial stress increase its risk
June 16, 2008New data presented today at EULAR 2008, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism in Paris, France, show that intake of oily fish is associated with a reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), whereas psychosocial work stress and smoking can increase the risk of developing the condition. The findings, all taken from a large population-based case-control study in Sweden called EIRA (Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis), shed light on the important role of environmental and social factors in the development of RA.
Intake of Oily Fish
For the first time, the intake of oily fish has been demonstrated to have a protective effect against the development of RA, reducing an individual's risk by 20-30%. Studying 1,899 subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of RA (fulfilling ACR criteria) and 2,145 controls (randomly selected and matched for age, sex and residential area), investigators concluded that the odds ratio (OR) for developing RA was 0.8 (0.7-1.0) for those who consumed oily fish 1-7 times per week or 1-3 times per month, compared with those who never, or seldom consumed oily fish. Interestingly, no significant association with RA risk was observed for consumption of fish oil supplements.
Smoking Dosage
Tobacco smoking is an established risk factor for RA, but the investigators found that there is a dose dependency for the level of smoking (i.e. the number of cigarettes smoked across a given period) on the odds ratio of developing anti-citrulline (anti-CCP) positive RA. The highest odds ratios were seen in those carrying a risk variant of the susceptibility gene PTPN22. In the study, 1,240 cases and 798 controls were identified as smokers from a total group of 1,419 cases and 1,674 controls via an extensive questionnaire regarding lifestyle factors, including smoking habits.
These subjects were then classified into three different groups according to the number of pack years smoked - less then 10, 10-20 or more than 20 pack years (where one pack-year is equivalent to having smoked one pack per day for one year) and genotyped to determine the presence of the PTPN22 risk allele.
Psychosocial Stress at Work
Psychosocial stress at work, defined as low decision latitude (or low level of control) was found to be associated with a higher risk for RA. Collected via a validated questionnaire, this was demonstrated in both self-reported data (OR=1.6 (95% CI 1.2-2.2)) and JEM (job exposure matrix)-derived data (OR=1.3 (95% CI 1.0-1.7)). These results were only marginally changed when the investigators adjusted the odds ratios for social class and smoking for the 1,221 cases and 1,454 controls who participated in the study.
Mrs Annmarie Wesley of the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden, EIRA investigator and lead author of the oily fish intake study, commented: "The findings from these studies add to an increasing body of evidence to support the assertion that lifestyle modifications can have a significant impact on an individual's risk for developing RA, one of the most common autoimmune diseases, affecting approximately 1% of adults worldwide. We hope that the data will contribute to the growing understanding of the aetiology of RA and, ultimately, its treatment and prevention"
European League Against Rheumatism
Smoking Dosage
Tobacco smoking is an established risk factor for RA, but the investigators found that there is a dose dependency for the level of smoking (i.e. the number of cigarettes smoked across a given period) on the odds ratio of developing anti-citrulline (anti-CCP) positive RA. The highest odds ratios were seen in those carrying a risk variant of the susceptibility gene PTPN22. In the study, 1,240 cases and 798 controls were identified as smokers from a total group of 1,419 cases and 1,674 controls via an extensive questionnaire regarding lifestyle factors, including smoking habits.
These subjects were then classified into three different groups according to the number of pack years smoked - less then 10, 10-20 or more than 20 pack years (where one pack-year is equivalent to having smoked one pack per day for one year) and genotyped to determine the presence of the PTPN22 risk allele.
Psychosocial Stress at Work
Psychosocial stress at work, defined as low decision latitude (or low level of control) was found to be associated with a higher risk for RA. Collected via a validated questionnaire, this was demonstrated in both self-reported data (OR=1.6 (95% CI 1.2-2.2)) and JEM (job exposure matrix)-derived data (OR=1.3 (95% CI 1.0-1.7)). These results were only marginally changed when the investigators adjusted the odds ratios for social class and smoking for the 1,221 cases and 1,454 controls who participated in the study.
Mrs Annmarie Wesley of the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden, EIRA investigator and lead author of the oily fish intake study, commented: "The findings from these studies add to an increasing body of evidence to support the assertion that lifestyle modifications can have a significant impact on an individual's risk for developing RA, one of the most common autoimmune diseases, affecting approximately 1% of adults worldwide. We hope that the data will contribute to the growing understanding of the aetiology of RA and, ultimately, its treatment and prevention"
European League Against Rheumatism
Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud
This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
Epigenetics Buckyballs Spinal Cord Knee Replacement Asthma Nanotechnology Contraception MRSA Sleep Apnea Biological Clock Vitamin D Anthropology Cisplatin Anxiety Disorders Phytophthora Mercury Autophagy Pycnogenol Erectile dysfunction Cancer Drug Asteroid Eczema Methylmercury Leukemia Threatened Species
See More: Science News Tags
Rheumatoid Arthritis Current Events and Rheumatoid Arthritis News RSSGene expression findings a step toward better classification and treatment of juvenile arthritis
Scientists have discovered gene expression differences that could lead to better ways to classify, predict outcome, and treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
New trigger for chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis discovered
A signal molecule made by the human body that triggers the immune system into action may be important in rheumatoid arthritis.
Structures from the human immune system's oldest branch shed light on a range of diseases
How molecules of the oldest branch of the human immune system have interconnected has remained a mystery.
Psoriasis associated with cardiovascular disease and increased mortality
The skin disease psoriasis is associated with atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque in the arteries) characterized by an increased prevalence of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease and an increased risk of death.
Early treatment of systemic onset JIA with anakinra restores the IL-18 response
First line treatment with anakinra (an interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist), results in a 'good' clinical response (ACRp90) in patients newly diagnosed with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA), and restores the deficient IL-18 response of natural killer (NK) cells.
RA individuals from lower GDP countries keep working despite worse symptoms than richer countries
Individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in lower gross domestic product (GDP) countries (GDP below $11,000) are more likely to continue working despite higher disease activity and functional disability scores compared to their counterparts in higher GDP countries (GDP >$24,000).
Aussie and Kiwi researchers make double MS genetic discovery
Australian and New Zealand researchers have accelerated research into Multiple Sclerosis by discovering two new locations of genes which will help to unravel the causes of MS and other autoimmune disease.
New treatment strategy offers hope to RA patients who failed all other therapies
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who failed to respond to initial treatment with rituximab (RTX) (a chimeric monoclonal antibody against the protein CD20) can still be successfully re-treated with a second course of RTX after six months.
Diagnosis of arthritis 5 years earlier in childless women compared to those with children
Nulliparous women (those who have not given birth to children) are diagnosed with chronic arthritides (including ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) an average of 5.2 years before parous women (those who have given birth to children).
63 percent of RA patients suffer psychiatric disorders, with depressive spectrum conditions most likely
Over half (63%) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also suffer from psychiatric disorders, with the majority of these (87%) occurring in the depressive spectrum.
More Rheumatoid Arthritis Current Events and Rheumatoid Arthritis News Articles
 |
The First Year: Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The) by M.E.A. McNeil (Author), Kenneth Sack MD (Foreword) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a disease characterized by inflammation of the joints, is one of the most disabling forms of arthritis and affects over two million people in the United States. Without proper treatment it can lead to long-term joint damage, chronic pain, loss of function, and disability. From the first moment of her diagnosis, author M.E.A. McNeil took charge and educated herself on every aspect of her condition. Now, as a "patient-expert," she guides those newly diagnosed step-by-step through their first year with RA. McNeil provides crucial information about the nature of the disease, treatment options, diet, exercise, social concerns, emotional issues, networking with others, and much more. The First Year—Rheumatoid Arthritis is an essential resource for everyone who wants... |
 |
Synova Total Joint Care with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM for Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis - 60 Coated Caplets by Next Nutraceuticals Synova Total Joint Care provides the latest clinically tested ingredients for the body's moveable joints, called synovial joints. The shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, hip, knee, ankle and toes are synovial joints. Synova Total Joint Care works to support joint health as well as joint flare-ups.* *Glucosamine HCl - a precursor for glycosaminoglycans, the primary component of joint cartilage. Glucosamine can help rebuild, renew and strengthen synovial joint cartilage.* *Joint Serum (Hyaluronic Acid) - HA is a natural component of synovial fluid found to increase joint viscosity, naturally helping to lubricate and re-hydrate joints.* *Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - a naturally occuring sulfur needed to form collagen, which is the protein found in all synovial connective... |
 |
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) by Tammi L. Shlotzhauer MD (Author), James L. McGuire MD (Author), Carol M. Ziminski MD (Foreword) Already a trusted guide and an invaluable resource, Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis offers practical advice for the millions of people who live with this painful disease. Now thoroughly revised and expanded, this second edition brings readers up to date with the latest methods of diagnosis and treatment. Building on their accessible explanation of the disease and its causes, the authors describe the essential components of care: medication, joint protection, physical activity, and good nutrition. They provide a wealth of new information on medications, including biologic response–modifiers, alternative and complementary approaches, and treatments for osteoporosis (which often accompanies rheumatoid arthritis), and they describe safe and effective ways to cope with pain,... |
 |
Conquering Arthritis: What Doctors Don't Tell You Because They Don't Know: 9 Secrets I Learned the Hard Way by Barbara D. Allan (Author) This book provides hard-earned, practical, detailed information that is critical for successful healing of arthritis, but that has never before been collected in one book. Without this information many people with arthritis will not get well. The information is organized into a well-researched, easy-to-follow plan for getting well again and includes case histories of people with dramatic and lasting recoveries. It focuses not just on coping with the symptoms of arthritis, but on correcting its underlying causes using proven alternative medicine and pain management techniques. Anyone who is serious about healing from arthritis needs this book. |
 |
VAXA, Arthritin, A Natural Arthritis Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Herbal Arthritis ~ 3-60 Capsule bottles by Vaxa Arthritin is a natural arthritis treatment specifically formulated to help reduce the pain and discomfort of common arthritis and address three major symptoms of joint degeneration. No other natural arthritis treatment is as comprehensive, or as powerful. Within Arthritin, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and diuretic ingredients create a powerful formula more effective than other brands or than any one ingredient by itself. The ingredients in the natural arthritis treatment have been shown to: 1. Help Reduce pain and inflammation. Protects the production of naturally occurring "pain killers" (endorphins and enkephalins). Blocks pain signals. 2. Help Reduce stiffness. Assists in lessening edema in the joints. |
 |
The First Year: Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Da Capo Press Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a disease characterized by inflammation of the joints, is one of the most disabling forms of arthritis and affects over two million people in the United States. Without proper treatment it can lead to long-term joint damage, chronic pain, loss of function, and disability. From the first moment of her diagnosis, author M.E.A. McNeil took charge and educated herself on every aspect of her condition. Now, as a "patient-expert," she guides those newly diagnosed step-by-step through their first year with RA. McNeil provides crucial information about the nature of the disease, treatment options, diet, exercise, social concerns, emotional issues, networking with others, and much more. The First Year—Rheumatoid Arthritis is an essential resource for everyone who wants... |
 |
The New Arthritis Breakthrough: The Only Medical Therapy Clinically Proven to Produce Long-term Improvement and Remission of RA, Lupus, Juvenile RS, Fibromyalgia, ... & Other Inflammatory Forms of Arthritis by Henry Scammell (Author) "...can be miraculous for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers."-- Health & Healing, Tomorrow's Medicine Today |
 |
Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can suffer immense pain, swelling, stiffness of the joints and fatigue. Once the disease sets in it can involve many joints, be more persistent and cause more disability. Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, experts believe no single reason is responsible and researchers are currently looking at gender and genetics. Rheumatoid arthritis can be a debilitating, crippling disease if not treated, but there is good news. There are new life-changing treatments available to patients today than ever before. Today's new medications, are giving advanced patients a higher level of treatment, ultimately improving their quality of life. In this program we'll hear from patients who've been struggling with pain and fatigue for more than ten years and... |
 |
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Infection Connection {Targeting and Treating the Cause of Chronic Illness} by Katherine M. Poehlmann (Author) Foreword by Dr. Harold W. Clark, author of "Why Arthritis?" Appendices by Dr. Joseph Mercola (mercola.com) and Dr. Garth Nicolson (Institute for Molecular Medicine) Definitions of terms ****************************** EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR! ****************************** A research scientist and former arthritis sufferer outlines a proven treatment that could banish your arthritis pain forever. This well-documented study presents evidence that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other chronic illnesses are caused by microbial infection. When the infection triggers allergic reactions, it appears that the body's immune system has turned on itself. Once the cause of the infection and allergies are identified and removed,... |
 |
FLA Orthopedics Therall Arthritis Gloves Size Small One Pair by Florida Orthopedics Light compression Arthritis Gloves provide therapeutic warmth to reduce pain and swelling. Neoprene material retains the body's natural heat to provide soothing warmth and long-lasting pain relief to aching wrists, fingers and hands. Soft lining wicks moisture away to keep hands dry. Ideal for arthritis, aching fingers, hands or wrists, overuse or repetitive use injuries, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and tendonitis. One pair - fits men or women. Color: Beige. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |