Articles tagged with Rheumatoid Arthritis
A randomized controlled trial found that cannabis-based medicine (CBM) significantly improved pain on movement, pain at rest, quality of sleep, inflammation, and intensity of pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. CBM reduced pain scores by an average of 2-3 points across several measures.
The University of Rochester Medical Center has received two new grants to fund research on preparing for a bioterrorist attack. The grants aim to develop mathematical models and computer simulations of the human immune system's response to influenza A and smallpox, two of the worst threats. Researchers will also focus on finding ways t...
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center found that immune factors APRIL and BlyS have multiple effects in rheumatoid arthritis. In some types of disease, they promote inflammation, while in others, they suppress it.
Initial combination therapy with either prednisone or infliximab significantly reduces progression of radiographic joint damage and improves functional outcomes compared to DMARDs alone or step-up combination therapy. Patients treated with initial combination therapy also experience earlier relief from symptoms.
The new drug dnaJP1, derived from a naturally occurring protein dnaJ, has been found to be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis by re-educating the immune system's tolerance to the amino acid sequence. In a double-blind trial, patients receiving dnaJP1 experienced lessening of symptoms and improvement in mobility.
A study by Sverdrup et al. found that men highly exposed to motor or hydraulic oil have a 30% higher risk of developing RA than unexposed men, with increased risks also seen for 'rheumatoid factor positive' and 'anti-citrulline positive' types.
Researchers found abatacept to be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis, improving at least 20% of patients' condition compared to placebo. The drug reduces immune system attack on joints, providing significant pain relief and improving functionality.
Researchers in The Netherlands found a positive trend in rheumatoid arthritis disease activity over the last decade, coinciding with more aggressive treatment strategies. The study showed that patients diagnosed with RA within the last ten years had less severe disease activity and a more favorable course of their disease.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD), with more advanced atherosclerosis and increased cardiovascular death. The underlying RA disease process, particularly elevated CD4+CD28- T cells, contributes to this increased risk.
A study published in the American Journal of Pathology reveals that Wnt-7b is significantly upregulated in arthritic knee tissues, particularly in areas of high inflammation. The findings suggest a potential role for Wnt-7b in rheumatoid arthritis progression and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers found TNF inhibits conversion of DHEAS to DHEA, leading to local androgen deficiency in RA patients. The study highlights the need for early anti-TNF antibody therapy in treating this inflammatory disease.
Researchers found that disabling Foxo3a gene prevents the development of arthritis-like disorder by inducing neutrophil apoptosis. This discovery may lead to new treatment options for immune dysfunction-related arthritic conditions.
Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with anti-inflammatory drugs were 10 times less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. This study suggests that anti-inflammatory drugs may be a promising approach for treating the intractable disease.
Researchers discover distinct phase of rheumatoid arthritis immediately after symptom onset, enabling early treatment and potentially halting disease progression. The study proposes a new therapeutic window for potent anti-inflammatory therapies during the first few months of clinically apparent disease.
A study found that TNF-alpha blocking agents, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, can trigger skin conditions in 25% of patients. The most common conditions were skin infections, eczema, and drug eruptions, with 26% of affected patients stopping treatment due to the condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients with swelling in large joints, vasculitis, lung disease, or high ESR levels have a significantly increased risk of dying from heart conditions. The study suggests that systemic inflammation promotes this risk and hypothesizes that closely monitoring and controlling inflammation may decrease the risk.
Researchers identify new therapeutic targets for immune-mediated liver diseases and explore the role of IL-6 in protecting liver cells. Osteopontin is also found to play a central role in amplifying rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting potential new treatments for this inflammatory condition.
Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are twice as likely to develop congestive heart failure, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors. This association remained consistent across all ages and sexes, and was particularly pronounced among those with rheumatoid factor-positive RA.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk for heart failure soon after the onset of symptoms and throughout their disease course. The elevated risk is not attributed to traditional cardiovascular factors like diabetes or high cholesterol.
Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are three times more likely to have been hospitalized for an acute heart attack during the two years before diagnosis. They were also twice as likely to experience unrecognized heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths after diagnosis.
A recent study found that very early treatment with infliximab plus methotrexate reduced synovitis and bone erosions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment showed sustained benefits even after one year, improving function and quality of life.
Researchers identify specific T cells and staining methods that improve detection and treatment of RA lung disease. The study suggests therapies targeting T cell function may succeed in treating RA lung disease, while early detection could lead to prolonged lives for patients.
A study found that high levels of red meat consumption are associated with a two-fold increased risk of developing inflammatory arthritis. Lower vitamin C intake was also linked to an increased disease risk.
Researchers found that melittin, a compound in bee venom, blocks the expression of inflammatory genes in synovial cells. This inhibition can lead to reduced tissue swelling and osteophyte formation, suggesting a potential treatment for RA patients.
A large study found that breastfeeding for at least 24 months reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis by 50%, while irregular menstrual cycles between ages 20-35 increase the risk. The study also confirms a peak risk of RA around menopause age 50-54.
A Swedish study reveals that smoking substantially raises the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in individuals with the shared epitope gene. The research, published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, found a significant interaction between smoking and the SE gene, increasing the disease risk to 7.5 times.
A large population-based study found that current smokers have a 2.8-7.5 times increased risk of rheumatoid factor positive RA, while those with the SE gene have a 15.7 times higher risk. The study suggests a strong interaction between smoking and the shared epitope gene in increasing disease risk.
A recent study found that genetic variations in the HLA and TNF gene regions are associated with response to treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis patients. Patients with two copies of the shared epitope were four times more likely to achieve significant improvement in disease activity compared to those with one or no copies.
Researchers found that specific immunoglobins 'turn on' the IGF-1R, triggering inflammation and T lymphocyte activation. Blocking this interaction arrests molecular events leading to T cell activation, offering promise for a common therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases.
A study found increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), even those without autoantibodies. The findings suggest that early inflammation is a key factor in RA development, potentially serving as a predictive marker for future symptomatic inflammation.
A new study evaluates patients with rheumatoid arthritis to understand their perception of treatment improvements and develop patient-based criteria for evaluating new treatments. The study will recruit 300 participants who have been diagnosed with RA and are currently treated with various medications.
A study found that intensive management of rheumatoid arthritis patients, involving monthly disease activity score assessment and tailored treatment, led to better outcomes compared to standard routine care. This approach resulted in higher response rates (82% vs 44%) and remission rates (65% vs 16%), without increased costs.
Researchers discovered a genetic marker, PTPN22, associated with a two-fold increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. The variant impairs immune regulation, leading to hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.
A small but statistically significant improvement was found in arthritis symptoms among patients given atorvastatin compared to those on placebo. The study suggests that statins could be used to prevent cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
A recent study found that B-cell targeted therapy significantly reduced arthritic symptoms in patients, with improvement lasting over a year and sometimes up to three years. The treatment has shown promise in breaking the cycle driving the disease, but further studies are needed to ensure its safety.
A new gene-expression-based predictor algorithm has been developed to predict prostate cancer recurrence with high accuracy, utilizing molecular signatures that distinguish subgroups of patients with different disease outcomes. The algorithm correctly classified 88% of patients with poor prognosis into the correct group.
Researchers found ACR scores improved for symptom relief after 6 months with combination treatment, and remission occurred in 35% of patients compared to 16% and 13% with individual therapies. Combination therapy also showed a statistically significant improvement on joint erosion.
Researchers developed novel proteins that can block the activation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a key regulator of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. These modified versions of TNF are designed to prevent an immune response, offering a promising new avenue for treating the disease.
Scientists discover 'synoviolin', an enzyme that contributes to RA progression by over-growing synovial cells. Reducing synoviolin levels could halt joint destruction, offering new insights into RA etiology and innovative therapies.
A large study by the University of Michigan Health System found that entrenched attitudes, lack of communication, and limited data contribute to the controversy. The researchers surveyed nearly 1,000 doctors and analyzed state-by-state variation in hand surgery rates.
Eighty percent of patients treated with combination therapy experienced no radiographic progression, compared to 68% on ENBREL alone and 57% on methotrexate. Combination therapy and ENBREL monotherapy provided significant inhibition of joint damage.
A Phase 3 study showed ENBREL significantly improved back pain, mobility, and function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. At 12 weeks, 60% of patients achieved a 20% improvement, while at 24 weeks, 58% did so.
In a global, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, ENBREL demonstrated significant improvements in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) scores after 12 weeks of treatment. Nearly half of patients treated with 50mg or 25mg of ENBREL twice weekly achieved PASI 75 versus 3% of placebo-treated patients.
In a multi-center, double-blind study, ENBREL 50 mg administered once weekly achieved an ACR 20 response in 50% of patients, compared to 19% in the placebo group. ENBREL also showed comparable improvement in HAQ and patient-reported measures of global status and pain.
Researchers found a significant link between depression and social stress in arthritis patients, contradicting previous theories that only chronic pain contributes to depression. The study suggests that addressing social difficulties and independent stresses is crucial for effective depression treatments for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in men. However, female smokers do not face a higher risk, contrary to previous assumptions. The study suggests pre-menopausal women may block the link between smoking and RA development.
Scientists at Cardiff University have developed a new protein to help manage acute infection and inflammation. The protein has been jointly investigated by Dr Simon Jones and Dr Nicholas Topley for several years, revealing its potential in treating chronic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and bacterial peritonitis.
A phase 3 study found Enbrel inhibited radiographic progression in patients with active psoriatic arthritis. The drug reduced the progression of bone erosions and joint space narrowing associated with the disease.
A long-term study of Enbrel found that it effectively treated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for up to five years, with 71% of patients achieving the ACR 20 response. The medication was also well-tolerated, with no increased rate of serious adverse events or infections compared to placebo.
Scientists at PNNL and the Institute of Immunological Engineering have created unique humanized antibodies to gamma interferon, a protein that triggers autoimmune conditions. These fully humanized antibodies may provide long-term treatment for autoimmune diseases.
A UCSF study shows that 80% of patients taking etanercept experience significant relief from ankylosing spondylitis symptoms. The drug reduces spinal inflammation and slows disease progression, offering a new therapeutic option for the chronic inflammatory arthritis.
The RDCC facilitates collaboration between researchers to develop new diagnostic tests and innovative therapies. Researchers aim to translate scientific discoveries into patient treatment within five years.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that methotrexate treatment significantly improves survival rates among rheumatoid arthritis patients. By reducing cardiovascular mortality, methotrexate may provide a substantial survival benefit, setting a standard for future disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a gene therapy that reduces inflammatory cytokines involved in joint inflammation. The treatment, which uses the IL-13 gene, has been shown to suppress joint inflammation and prevent the development of arthritis in rat models.
Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered a unique 'flap' on protein Tall-1 crucial to its function, which could lead to new treatments for autoimmunity. The flap-free version of the molecule triggers no biological activity but still binds to receptors.
Researchers developed a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic that substantially reduced cartilage and bone erosion, as well as chronic inflammation, in a standard animal model. The SOD mimetic also significantly reduced elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β.
Phase 3 results of ENBREL (etanercept) demonstrated significant improvement in signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, with 72% of patients experiencing treatment response after 12 weeks. The study also showed improvements in skin manifestations and psoriasis activity.
Research reveals a strong association between rheumatoid arthritis and smoking, with those consuming more cigarettes daily facing increased risk. Lifestyle factors such as insulin-dependent diabetes, late menstruation, and prolonged hair dye use also contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
The study identifies six transcripts whose up- or down-regulation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) parallels the changes seen in anergic cells. Calmodulin suppression in RA is consistent and dramatic, suggesting a link between anergic cells and disease-associated T cells.
Two new research studies have shown significant promise for reducing joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis, with a combination of infliximab and methotrexate halting progression and improving symptoms in patients. Etanercept also demonstrates efficacy in slowing joint damage and decreasing symptoms.