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Protein engineered by NYU Langone researchers has potential for new anti-inflamatory treatment

Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center created a novel protein molecule derived from progranulin, which may offer alternative treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The protein has been shown to have a high affinity and specificity for binding to tumor necrosis factor receptors.

Rheumatoid arthritis researchers redefine remission

Researchers redefine remission in rheumatoid arthritis by introducing two new provisional definitions that aim to standardize treatment goals. The new definitions focus on disease activity measures, including tender joint count, swollen joint count, and C-reactive protein levels.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 3, 2011

Fostamatinib proven to be safe but not effective

In a phase II trial, fostamatinib disodium, an oral spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor, failed to demonstrate efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had not responded to biologic agents. However, the drug was found to be safe and showed promise in subgroups of patients with elevated C-reactive protein levels.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 27, 2011

Umbilical cord cells may treat arthritis

Researchers have discovered that mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood can suppress inflammation and attenuate collagen-induced arthritis. The study suggests a new potential therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, which currently has limited long-term drug-free remission options.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateNov 15, 2010

Casing the joint

Researchers have created a new animal model for rheumatoid arthritis that closely mimics the human disease. The KRN-CTM model exhibits chronic inflammation and cartilage damage similar to human cases.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 7, 2010

New rheumatoid arthritis criteria to stave off disabling disease for thousands of people

The new criteria redefine RA by classifying it based on the confirmed presence of synovitis in at least one joint, absence of alternative diagnoses, and a combined score from four domains. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent destructive joint damage with the help of synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 12, 2010

ROCK(2) 'n' roll target for treating autoimmunity

Researchers have discovered that ROCK2 protein is involved in regulating the production of IL-17 and IL-21, which are linked to autoimmunity. Administration of a ROCK inhibitor has shown promise in reducing disease symptoms and ameliorating conditions in mice models.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 9, 2010

Aerobic exercise safe and effective for rheumatoid arthritis patients

Researchers found that regular aerobic exercise improves function, lessens joint pain, and increases quality of life in patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis. The study analyzed 14 studies and meta-analysis included 510 patients, showing that cardio-respiratory conditioning is safe and beneficial for this group.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJun 24, 2010

Early and aggressive arthritis treatment recommended

Researchers found that patients treated with early combination disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy had less radiographic damage in small joints, even after 11 years. Early and aggressive treatment achieves excellent results for most patients, especially those who achieve strict remission at 1 year.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateJun 23, 2010

Rheumatoid arthritis incidence on the rise in women

A recent study found a significant rise in rheumatoid arthritis incidence among women between 1995 and 2007. Researchers attribute the increase to environmental factors such as vitamin D deficiency, cigarette smoking, and lower-dose synthetic estrogens in oral contraceptives.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMay 26, 2010

BUSPH study links rheumatoid arthritis to vitamin D deficiency

A recent study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women. The study, which analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, suggests that higher latitudes may lead to lower levels of vitamin D due to reduced sunligh...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 7, 2010

Prozac and Celexa exhibit anti-inflammatory effects

Research found fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) significantly inhibited disease progression of collagen-induced arthritis in mice. The study suggests potential drug development opportunities for arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateFeb 25, 2010

New 'suicide' molecule halts rheumatoid arthritis

A researcher from Northwestern University has invented a novel way to halt and reverse rheumatoid arthritis by developing an imitation of a suicide molecule that targets hyperactive immune cells. The approach, tested on mice, showed promising results with a 75% success rate and no reported toxicity.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 28, 2010

Rheumatoid arthritis doesn't hinder computing skills

Researchers found that touch typing training significantly improved keyboarding speed in RA workers, regardless of impairment. However, impairments in hand function were associated with reduced mouse speeds, highlighting the need for effective strategies to maintain productivity in computer users with RA.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJan 28, 2010

Chicken capsules good for aching joints

Researchers found that chicken type II collagen (CCII) capsules improved joint function in RA patients with fewer side effects compared to the established antirheumatic drug methotrexate. Oral tolerance induction via dietary exposure is believed to contribute to this finding.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateNov 30, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Family health history disclosure may not improve clinical decision making, according to researchers. Meanwhile, community-based interventions in developing countries have been shown to effectively reduce blood pressure. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may also benefit from conventional DMARD therapy or biologics, but their cost...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 2009