A research team at VIB has identified a new anti-inflammatory mechanism of the protein A20, which can help treat autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis. By understanding how A20 interacts with signaling pathways, scientists can develop new therapies to combat inflammation and disrupt the immune system's attack on its own tissues.
Scientists at Northwestern University have created a mouse model that replicates the human response in rheumatoid arthritis. The new prototype uses human stem cells implanted in mice, which showed authentic human reactions, paving the way for more accurate drug discovery and treatment options.
A Swedish study of over 45,000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis found an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, a blood clot that forms within a vein. The risk remained elevated for up to 10 years after diagnosis.
A Mayo Clinic study developed an infection risk score for rheumatoid arthritis patients, using factors like age, corticosteroid use and inflammation levels. The score helps physicians identify high-risk patients and take measures to prevent infections.
A meta-analysis of over 60 randomized controlled trials found no statistically significant increased risk of any type of cancer with biologic response modifiers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study included 29,423 patients and followed them for at least 24 weeks.
Researchers have discovered that blocking GM-CSF action can suppress both pain and inflammation in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This breakthrough could lead to a new therapy for patients suffering from debilitating conditions.
Researchers found no statistically significant difference in mortality rates among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were exposed to adalimumab, etanercept, or infliximab. The study of RA patients in Sweden compared overall mortality rates among those treated with individual TNF inhibitors.
A study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are four times more likely to develop gum disease, with severe cases associated with increased inflammatory markers and antibodies. Gum disease in these patients may contribute to the development and maintenance of systemic inflammation.
Researchers found that RA patients primarily cite joint pain as the reason for their perceived change in disease activity, while physicians emphasize swollen joints. The study's results suggest a discrepancy between patient and physician perceptions of disease activity, with potential implications for improved shared decision-making.
A new study finds that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receive regular cancer screenings, including breast, cervical, and colon cancer tests, at similar rates to the general population. The study's results challenge previous research suggesting RA patients receive fewer cancer screenings.
Scientists have discovered a 'constant cloud' of potent inflammatory molecules surrounding the cells responsible for diseases like thickening of the arteries and rheumatoid arthritis. Monocytes, a type of white blood cell, were found to be surrounded by this constant cloud, which was propelled through the cell wall by lysosomes.
Research found epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation, alter genes contributing to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inflammation and joint damage. RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes display a unique DNA methylome signature compared to normal FLS.
A large retrospective cohort study found that the live zoster vaccine is not associated with an increased risk of shingles in patients with immune-mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The study showed a significantly reduced longer-term risk of HZ in these patients after vaccination.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients face significant challenges including disability, life expectancy drops, heart attack risk, and joint destruction. Mayo Clinic researchers offer guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and management to improve outcomes for patients.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created an animal model that spontaneously develops rheumatoid arthritis and is predisposed to atherosclerosis. The model allows scientists to examine the systemic influence of inflammatory arthritis on the development of heart disease, with promising results from treatment with Enbrel.
Gut bacteria play a crucial role in regulating the immune system and preventing autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Larger-than-normal populations of specific gut bacteria may trigger disease development, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals.
Research by Trinity College Dublin scientists establishes a clear link between nanoparticles and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Exposure to nanoparticles can trigger the transformation of amino acids, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
A new study found that smoking significantly affects the response to anti-TNF treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as measured by disease activity scores and clinical indices. Smoking cessation strategies may help maximize treatment effectiveness and improve quality of life for these patients.
A new study published at EULAR 2012 found that patients with early menopause are 50% less likely to develop severe rheumatoid arthritis. The research also revealed a link between hormonal changes and distinct pathways leading to disease progression. Early menopause was associated with a milder form of the chronic inflammatory disease.
A new study reveals that lung changes are a primary manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in ACPA-positive patients. The study found HRCT abnormalities and local production of ACPA in the lungs of patients before RA onset, suggesting site-specific extra-articular changes as the initiating event of the immune response.
Baricitinib demonstrates dose-dependent efficacy in active rheumatoid arthritis, with 76% of patients achieving ACR20 response compared to 41% on placebo. Patients also showed significant improvements in disease activity and functional outcomes.
A new study validates the RABBIT Risk Score as a tool to predict serious infections in RA patients treated with anti-TNFs or DMARDs. The score successfully predicted infections in patients with ≥1 risk factor, including chronic lung disease and age above 60 years.
A study at EULAR 2012 found that tailoring biologic treatment to individual patients with rheumatoid arthritis can save €2,595,557 in costs over three years while increasing effectiveness by an average of 3.67 quality-adjusted life years
A head-to-head study in rheumatoid arthritis patients found that abatacept achieved comparable efficacy to adalimumab, with similar rates of ACR20 and ACR50 responses. The study also showed fewer injection site reactions with abatacept.
A study presented at EULAR 2012 found that biologic treatments significantly reduce mortality risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Achieving early and sustained remission is associated with improved overall survival.
A retrospective analysis found that cumulative anti-TNF therapy for 1-3 years reduced cardiovascular event risk by 24-56% in RA patients. Longer treatment duration further decreased risk, particularly among older patients and those without prior methotrexate use.
A study found that 22% of European countries have no biologics reimbursed for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, with inconsistent criteria across the continent. This leads to unequal access to essential medications, affecting patients' health status and socio-economic welfare.
The ADACTA trial showed that tocilizumab was more effective than adalimumab in reducing signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with significant improvements in DAS28, low disease activity, and ACR20/50/70 responses. Safety results were similar between groups.
Researchers used echocardiograms to spot early heart disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The study found that the condition is often underestimated by traditional risk assessment tools.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients face a higher risk of early death and cardiovascular disease due to inflammation. Conventional predictors of risk are inadequate for estimating this risk, emphasizing the need for more accurate tools to assess heart disease danger in these patients.
Researchers discovered that the Notch pathway contributes to the development of rheumatoid arthritis by influencing the differentiation and function of inflammatory macrophages. The study also shows that drugs under development for cancer could potentially be used to treat RA.
Researchers discovered that 40% of LGL patients have a STAT3 mutation, which may aid in diagnosing and treating the disease. The mutation is also associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, opening new avenues for understanding its pathogenesis.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute found that a diverse array of regulatory T cells is necessary to prevent the immune system from generating tissue-specific inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. This diversity provides a cumulative protective effect against the disease.
A Mayo Clinic study of 813 adults with rheumatoid arthritis found that obesity accounted for 52% of the increase in cases among women from 1985-2007. The study suggests a potential link between excess weight and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that people with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing lower gastrointestinal issues, which can be life-threatening. Smoking, steroid use, and prior abdominal surgery increase the risk, emphasizing the need for new prevention and treatment strategies.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has released updated guidelines for the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic agents in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The new recommendations aim to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has endorsed six standardized measures to determine rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. These measures are sensitive to change, can discriminate between low, moderate, and high disease activity states, and include remission criteria, making them feasible to perform in a clinical setting.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who discontinue statin therapy are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other causes. A population-based study found that RA patients should be advised to maintain medication compliance to reduce mortality risk.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers has developed a statistical method to estimate the heritable component of four common diseases. The study found that hundreds of loci with common causal variants explain most of the risk for these diseases, not rare mutations.
Researchers have found a new potential target for rheumatoid arthritis by developing an agent that prevents activated T cells from migrating towards the site of inflammation. The agent, PS372424, binds to a specific receptor CXCR3 on activated T cells and 'blinds' them, preventing further damage.
Research published in Arthritis Care & Research found that women with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus tend to have fewer children than desired due to increased infertility rates. The study also revealed that concerns about caring for children and genetic transmission of the disease may contribute to this trend.
Researchers found that glucocorticoid therapy can decrease citrullination and PAD4 enzyme levels in people with rheumatoid arthritis, leading to reduced inflammation. Treatment had no effect on methotrexate, but showed promising results for RA management.
A new study found that 2 in 5 adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were inactive, with motivation and beliefs about exercise being key risk factors. Researchers suggest that promoting physical activity can improve RA management and overall public health.
Women under 50 with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to break bones than their counterparts, according to a Mayo Clinic study. Researchers found that even in younger patients, the condition increases fracture risk, particularly in women.
Researchers found that patients taking anti-TNF medications for rheumatoid arthritis had a higher rate of post-surgical flares, but no significant increase in infections or complications. The study suggests that adjusting medication withdrawal timing based on individual half-lives may minimize disease flares
A new study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients who undergo total knee replacement surgery have lower expectations about their postsurgical outcomes compared to osteoarthritis patients. This can lead to worse outcomes due to reduced motivation for rehabilitation, resulting in decreased function and overall quality of life.
Two new genetic variants, rs4129267 and rs7130588, linked to increased asthma risk have been discovered. These variants may lead to the development of a new treatment for asthma using drugs currently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a new protein called P21, which acts as a protective barrier against hyperactive immune cells in people with rheumatoid arthritis. By inhibiting the immune cells' destructive rampage, the bouncer molecule halts the disease process, offering a promising new avenue for future therapies.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have higher self-efficacy for physical activity are more likely to achieve their goals. Achieving these goals is associated with reduced arthritis pain and increased health-related quality of life.
A defective gene can contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis by disrupting inflammatory responses, and a new mouse model reveals this connection. Researchers identified A20 as a key player in controlling inflammation, suggesting it may be a target for developing new treatments.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto identified the PTPN22 gene mutation's impact on immune cells, leading to hyper-immune responses and autoimmune disorders. The study's findings will help develop new diagnostic tests and targeted therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.
A five-year study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to inflammation. Treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) reduced the risk, while certain risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure predicted new events.
A study of nearly 14,000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis found that certain disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest a possible role for immunosuppression in preventing diabetes among patients with systemic inflammatory disorders.
Researchers found that patients with RA or psoriasis who were treated with TNF inhibitors or hydroxychloroquine had a lower risk of developing diabetes. The study suggests an association between these medications and reduced diabetes risk, but the cause is not yet known.
A recent study found that 91% of clinical trials with financial conflicts of interest reported positive outcomes, compared to 66.7% without FCOIs. Authors receiving consulting fees from industry had the strongest correlation with positive trial results.
A new study by EULAR suggests that using placebo in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) clinical trials can negatively impact patients. The study analyzed current study designs for new therapies and found that patients in the placebo group experienced no change in medication, forcing them to continue with their former ineffective treatment.
A study of 98,454 patients found that RA patients were approximately 20% less likely to receive standard MI treatments after a heart attack. This trend remained relatively unchanged over time, highlighting potential undertreatment of cardiovascular disease in these patients.
A small study on yoga in rheumatoid arthritis patients showed statistically significant improvements in disease activity scores, while another study demonstrated positive effects on the quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia. Yoga practice has been found to reduce anxiety levels and improve overall well-being.
A study found that RA patients had lower seroprotection rates and seroconversion rates compared to healthy individuals after receiving the H1N1 vaccine. This highlights the need for specific immunization strategies for patients with rheumatoid arthritis in future flu pandemics.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are two times more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to healthy controls. The study controlling for risk factors like smoking and obesity found a significant association, suggesting a link between the two conditions