Articles tagged with Rheumatoid Arthritis
A new study has found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms significantly improved during pregnancy, with 40% of patients experiencing a notable decrease in disease activity. Postpartum, 64% of patients remained stable or improved, while only 36% experienced flares.
A study of long-term Enbrel use found a consistent safety profile in patients with moderate-to-severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Sixty-one percent of patients completed four years of therapy, and 38% reached eight years without significant adverse effects.
New data demonstrates that MabThera effectively relieves RA symptoms and improves remission rates with subsequent courses of therapy. The safety profile remains consistent even after seven courses of treatment, providing confidence for physicians to make informed treatment decisions.
Three new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis have been approved, offering improved treatment options with reduced side effects and increased effectiveness. Rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab target different pathways to reduce inflammation and symptoms.
A new study has shown that long-term biologic treatment can significantly reduce disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, while maintaining a safe and effective profile. The analysis of over 2,000 patients demonstrates improvements in disability whilst safety was also sustained over the long-term.
University of Manchester researchers have identified evidence of several new genes behind rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disease that affects nearly all joints. The study, part of the largest ever genetics study, has provided insights into what leads people to develop RA and offers new avenues for treatments.
A University at Buffalo study finds that IL-17, a primary cause of bone destruction in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, protects bones from infectious pathogens in the oral cavity. Researchers discovered that blocking IL-17's receptor increases susceptibility to periodontal disease.
A study found that green tea compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits production of inflammatory molecules involved in joint damage. EGCG also blocks the production of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2, reducing inflammation in joints.
A new study suggests that green tea compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits production of molecules that cause destruction of cartilage and bone in people with rheumatoid arthritis. EGCG also suppresses inflammatory products in connective tissue.
A study associates DRB1 shared epitope genotypes with increased risk of death in RA patients, particularly those who died young without clinical evidence of heart disease, highlighting the importance of genetic factors on mortality
A newly identified immunosuppressive protein, decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), is expressed in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts and protects them from apoptosis. DcR3's expression is increased by TNFα, contributing to the excessive growth of synovial tissue in RA.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that patients with rheumatic diseases experience increased psychological distress and depression, particularly due to appearance concerns. The results suggest that targeting appearance concerns can improve mood and reduce the impact of the disease on mental health.
Patients with RA have double the risk of death from cancer compared to the general population. However, RA patients do not have an increased risk of developing cancer. A long-term study found a 40% increase in mortality among those who suffered both RA and cancer.
Researchers identified 9 clinical variables that independently predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis in early arthritis patients. The formula allows physicians and patients to make evidence-based treatment choices, potentially avoiding serious complications associated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Researchers have developed a new breed of transgenic mice with autoimmune responses similar to human RA patients, revealing a significant sex bias. The study found that female mice developed arthritis at a higher rate than male mice, exhibiting all disease hallmarks at higher levels.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that women with rheumatoid arthritis have a significantly lower chance of entering remission compared to men. After two and five years, approximately 32% and 31% of women were in remission respectively, compared to 48% and 52% of men.
A large-scale study found that immunosuppressive medications in RA patients may increase cardiovascular risk, particularly with cytotoxic agents and glucocorticoids. Biologic therapies, including TNF blockers, showed no protective effect against heart attacks or strokes.
A Mayo Clinic study found a significant association between rheumatoid arthritis and chronic lung diseases, with cumulative incidence rates increasing over time. The study followed 603 patients with RA for up to 30 years, revealing higher rates of obstructive lung disease and diffuse parenchymal infiltrative lung disease.
Enbrel, a biologic treatment, demonstrates sustained improvements in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms over up to nine years. Patients showed significant reductions in joint pain, stiffness, and disability.
A population-based study of 393 patients with rheumatoid arthritis found that they aged at approximately 1.25 times the rate of people in the general population. This accelerated aging was consistent with increased mortality rates among RA patients, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and intervention to address total health.
Repeat MabThera treatment improves physical and mental aspects of quality of life measures in RA patients, with significant improvements in disease symptoms and structure. The therapy also inhibits joint structural damage, providing evidence of radiographic progression inhibition.
Researchers at UCI identified natural compounds that block autoimmune T-cell activity, potentially developing new treatments for type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The study found the compounds suppressed autoimmune T-cell function without affecting other immune cells.
A new study by researchers at the University of Arizona found that turmeric extract can prevent experimental rheumatoid arthritis and reduce bone loss. The curcuminoid extract inhibited the activation of NF-KB, a protein that enhances production of inflammatory proteins, and blocked the pathway that affects bone resorption.
Researchers found evidence that nitric oxide signaling may be responsible for overproduction in RA patients. The study suggests a new perspective on the disease's cause and could offer insights into other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found PLC-gamma-2 crucial for normal osteoclast development and function in mice with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The protein also regulates B cell differentiation, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for controlling joint destruction and bone erosion.
A new study found that many primary care trusts in the UK are refusing to fund adequate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, despite NICE approval. The study revealed a postcode lottery, where funding and access to effective treatments like anti-TNF therapy vary widely across the country.
The study found that male sex influences RA mechanisms, with higher production of anti-CCP antibodies in families with affected male members. Female patients also exhibit differences in disease expression and response to treatment.
A Stanford study finds that the cancer drug Gleevec, used to combat leukemia and gastrointestinal cancers, may also be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers tested Gleevec on mice with a condition similar to human rheumatoid arthritis and found it almost completely prevented disease development.
Researchers found that imatinib can block the development of disease in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, providing hope for a new treatment. Additionally, studying adrenomedullin's effect on female mice revealed that reduced expression may severely decrease fertility. Meanwhile, a study on TNF-alpha discovered that it decreases e...
Researchers at Stanford University have found that Gleevec can block the development of disease in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, providing hope for a new treatment. Imatinib inhibits the function of immune cells contributing to RA and also suppresses joint cell proliferation.
A study by UCSD researchers shows that the central nervous system can sense and modulate inflammation in joints, reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Blocking key signaling enzymes in the CNS resulted in decreased joint inflammation and destruction.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that delivering rheumatoid arthritis drugs directly into the central nervous system improves treatment outcomes. Researchers found that blocking a protein called p38 with spinal cord administration reduced inflammation, arthritis, and joint destruction in arthritic rats.
Researchers investigated association between TNF blocker use and cancer risk in RA patients. They found no increased risk of lymphoma or tumors associated with anti-TNF therapy over methotrexate use. The study used a large sample of patients and found an overall difference in estimated cancer risk less than 5 percent.
Research found that smoking significantly increased the odds of developing rheumatoid arthritis in older Caucasian women without a genetic risk factor. The study, which included 115 postmenopausal women, revealed that tobacco smoke exposure doubled the risk of disease development.
Researchers found three genes over-expressed in rheumatoid arthritis that varied between identical twin pairs, suggesting environmental factors influence gene expression. The discovery provides insights into the variability of disease symptoms and response to treatment.
Researchers have uncovered three disease-relevant genes in synovial tissue from identical twins with RA, shedding light on the genetic components of this inflammatory disease. The study identifies laeverin, 11ß-HSD2, and Cyr61 as key enzymes linked to protein degradation, inflammation, and new blood vessel formation.
A study of 25 pregnant women with inflammatory arthritis found that changes in serum fetal DNA levels correlated with disease improvement during pregnancy, but not postpartum. The researchers observed a significant inverse correlation between arthritis activity and serum fetal DNA concentration throughout the study.
Research reveals rheumatoid arthritis significantly impacts patients' sexual activity, with fatigue and functional limitation being key predictors. The study highlights the need for increased attention to this often taboo topic in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing sexual problems as part of general RA care.
The study found that HAQ responsiveness decreases with increasing RA duration, suggesting an irreversible disability component. This makes it challenging to detect functional improvement and distinguish it from placebo effects.
New research suggests that treatment with TNF inhibitors reduces cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents, in rheumatoid arthritis patients. However, a separate study found an increased risk of serious infections in patients treated with TNF inhibitors.
A large patient group observed for five years found that women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had a more aggressive disease course compared to men. Only 32% and 31% of women were in remission at 2 and 5 years, respectively, whereas 49% and 52% of men achieved remission during the same period.
A double-blind phase III study found tocilizumab improved signs and symptoms of active rheumatoid arthritis by 80.3% at 24 weeks, compared to 25.0% for methotrexate. The treatment was well-tolerated, with few adverse events reported.
Rituximab plus methotrexate treatment significantly inhibits joint structural damage, reducing bone erosions and joint space narrowing in patients. The study's findings offer new hope for those who do not respond to current treatments.
A study across 5 Norwegian departments found that anti-TNF treatments worked better in patients with PsA and AS compared to RA. The combination of anti-TNF and MTX was shown to improve adherence and outcomes in these groups, while monotherapy was more effective for RA patients.
The REFLEX study demonstrated that MabThera can inhibit structural joint damage in patients with an inadequate response to TNF inhibitors. Repeated treatment courses provided continued improvement of symptoms across all clinical measures, increasing remission rates and symptom improvement.
The study found that the PTPN22 gene risk variant is associated with increased articular damage progression in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The researchers also discovered a link between the T allele carrier status and the annual rate of radiographic damage progression.
The TEMPO extension trial found that adding Enbrel to methotrexate improved clinical remission rates, reduced disease activity, and enhanced quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study showed significant benefits in patients who had not achieved adequate response with methotrexate monotherapy.
Long-term data from a study showed that abatacept treatment significantly slowed the progression of structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients who had an inadequate response to methotrexate. The effect was seen at year 2 and continued into the second year, suggesting progressive improvement.
A recent study found that methotrexate can delay and prevent the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in patients. Patients who showed a positive anti-CCP test benefited the most from the treatment, indicating a lower risk of developing full-blown RA.
Researchers found that GM-CSF and TNF-alpha induce the phosphorylation of a serine residue on NADPH oxidase, priming it for action at sites of inflammation. This prime may be targeted with drugs to prevent exaggerated neutrophil responses in inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
A study of over 2000 blood samples found that individuals with unfavourable blood fat levels were more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were higher in those who developed the disease, indicating an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease.
The study found that ethnicity, quality of the doctor-patient relationship, disease activity, and trust in the US healthcare system are all associated with patients' trust in their doctors. Patient-centered communication was significantly linked to increased information sharing by patients.
A study of 295 children with JRA found that Medicaid recipients had higher disease activity, more pain, and lower physical function compared to those with private insurance. The reasons for these disparities are not yet clear, but may be linked to non-treatment-related factors such as poverty and adherence to treatment.
A study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with TNF-blocking antibodies are at a higher risk of developing cancer and serious infections. The drugs, which were previously thought to be safe, may interfere with the body's ability to fight off infection and cancer.
An international study found that low-dose rituximab can achieve remission in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The treatment showed no correlation between steroid use and disease improvement, but was associated with mild adverse events.
Adult stem cells can make new tendon tissue and repair damaged tendons in rats. The study demonstrates potential for using this technology to treat musculoskeletal injuries and degenerative diseases.
Researchers developed RGD peptide liposomes to deliver dexamethasone phosphate directly to VECs at sites of inflammation, reducing arthritis severity and disease progression. The study demonstrates the potential of targeted liposomal therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Liposome technology has been shown to improve tissue delivery of therapeutic compounds, achieving effects equivalent to 10-fold higher doses. Specific targeting of liposomes to inflamed cells in the synovium has also been successfully demonstrated, reducing synovial inflammation without conventional side effects.
A Mayo Clinic study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis have preserved hearing and are no more susceptible to hearing loss than those without the disease. However, rheumatoid arthritis patients were more likely to perceive they had hearing problems due to their disability level.
Researchers found a substantial link between severe rheumatoid arthritis and increased risk of lymphoma. Patients with high RA activity experienced a 70-fold increase in lymphoma risk, while those with low activity had an 8-fold increase.