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Frankincense provides relief to arthritis sufferers

A randomized, double-blinded trial of 70 patients found that taking an enriched extract of Indian Frankincense significantly improved osteoarthritis symptoms within seven days. The study suggests that AKBA, the most active ingredient in the plant, has anti-inflammatory properties and may be effective for treating knee osteoarthritis.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateJul 29, 2008

Joint replacement may improve osteoarthritis symptoms in older adults

Older adults with severe hip or knee osteoarthritis who undergo joint replacement surgery experience significant improvements in osteoarthritis symptoms, with most patients returning to regular activities within a month. The study's findings support the use of joint replacement as an option for older adults with severe osteoarthritis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 14, 2008

Study identifies molecular response of cartilage to injury

A microarray screening study revealed significant gene expression changes in adult human joint cartilage after injury. The study identified the Wnt-16 signaling pathway as a key player in the molecular response, which may be relevant to osteoarthritis progression.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMay 8, 2008

Study shows pine bark naturally reduces osteoarthritis

A study published in the April 2008 edition of the journal Phytotherapy Research found that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract from pine bark, significantly reduced osteoarthritis symptoms by 56% and joint pain by 55%. The treatment also improved physical function by 56% and increased patient mobility almost three-fold.

SourceMWW Group·JournalPhytotherapy Research·DateApr 16, 2008

Reviewers agree on osteoarthritis of the knee

A review of six knee osteoarthritis treatment guidelines found significant differences in recommended treatments, with a focus on acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and exercise. The study highlights the need for more detailed educational interventions to improve guideline applicability.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateDec 5, 2007

Do static magnets reduce pain?

A meta-analysis of 9 randomized trials found that static magnets have no effect on pain scores for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. However, the study suggests that further research is necessary to explore potential benefits for people suffering from osteoarthritis.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 24, 2007

Using coxibs and NSAIDs to treat osteoarthritis

Experts emphasize evidence-based approach to treating osteoarthritis, citing benefits of coxibs and NSAIDs despite gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks. The OARSI international COX-2 workshop 2007 provided guidance on safe use of these agents.

SourceElsevier·JournalOsteoarthritis and Cartilage·DateAug 13, 2007

The dGEMRIC index as a predictor of cartilage mechanical stiffness

Researchers used dGEMRIC MRI to measure GAG distribution and correlate it with indentation stiffness. The study found a significant relationship between the dGEMRIC index and mechanical stiffness, suggesting its potential as a predictive measure of cartilage stiffness in osteoarthritis patients.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateApr 10, 2007

Exercise has no effect on risk of knee osteoarthritis

A recent study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that exercise neither protects against nor increases the risk of knee OA in middle-aged and older adults. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,200 subjects, suggests that physical activity can be done safely without concerns about developing OA.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJan 31, 2007

Swedish massage benefits osteoarthritis patients

A study by Yale University researchers found that Swedish massage therapy significantly improved symptoms in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, including reduced pain and increased flexibility. The treatment was shown to be safe and effective, with benefits persisting after completion of the massage intervention.

SourceYale University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 11, 2006

Smoking worsens knee osteoarthritis

Men with knee osteoarthritis who smoke experience greater cartilage loss and more severe pain than non-smokers. Smoking is a potentially modifiable risk factor for worsening knee osteoarthritis.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateDec 7, 2006

High-resolution imaging with contrast agent shows promise in osteoarthritis research

Researchers have developed a noninvasive imaging technique that uses a contrast agent and microcomputed tomography to image cartilage in osteoarthritis research. The technique, dubbed EPIC-microCT, reveals information about cartilage thickness and composition, allowing for the monitoring of osteoarthritis progression and treatment.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2006

Osteoarthritis patients treated with acupuncture show improvement

A randomized controlled trial found that osteoarthritis patients who received acupuncture treatment in addition to routine care showed significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life. The study's results suggest that acupuncture can be an effective treatment option for OA patients, with benefits lasting beyond the therapy period.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateOct 30, 2006

New engineered drug may offer prolonged arthritis relief

Researchers at Duke University have devised a new way to prolong the effects of an anti-inflammatory drug, potentially making it useful for providing longer-lasting treatment for osteoarthritis. The modified drug could last for several weeks rather than just hours, offering a significant clinical gain and fewer negative side effects.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateOct 14, 2006

Osteoarthritis may be sign of faster 'biological ageing'

A population-based study found that people with hand osteoarthritis had significantly shorter white cell telomere lengths compared to those without the disease. Telomere length was also associated with the severity of osteoarthritis, suggesting a link between biological ageing and degenerative inflammatory bone disease.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateOct 1, 2006

Effect of direct-to-consumer drug ads unexpected

A study found that direct-to-consumer advertising of Vioxx increased the proportion of osteoarthritis patient visits for which a prescription was written for Vioxx. However, Celebrex ads were associated with higher rates of Vioxx prescribing, but not significant changes in Celebrex prescriptions.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 12, 2006

Knee bone marrow lesions may be hereditary

A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy reveals a strong genetic link between hereditary knee bone marrow lesions and osteoarthritis. The research, conducted on 115 siblings from 48 families, found that the prevalence of these lesions was significantly influenced by genetics.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateAug 2, 2006

Matrilin-3 gene discovered to prevent onset of osteoarthritis

Researchers have discovered a gene, matrilin-3, that prevents the onset of osteoarthritis in adult mice. The study reveals a correlation between matrilin-3 and osteoarthritis, suggesting potential diagnostic and predictive uses. Matrilin-3 plays a role in early bone development and controls bone mineral density in adulthood.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 24, 2006

Osteoarthritis care for the elderly

A recent study found that only 57% of older patients with osteoarthritis received adequate care, while medication safety was a major concern. The study's results highlight the importance of targeting safe medication use in this population to improve overall quality of care.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateApr 4, 2006

Efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may depend on level of osteoarthritis pain

A large-scale study found that glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate provided significant pain relief for participants with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis pain, but not those with mild pain. The treatment was shown to be effective in reducing pain by 20% or more compared to placebo.

SourceNIH/National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2006

The (cell) matrix reloaded

The University of Manchester's Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research has secured a £3.1 million grant for the next five years to develop approaches for preventing and treating diseases, including cancer, osteoarthritis, and vascular disease through vascular engineering.