New research reveals that obesity influences blood tests for C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, particularly in women with rheumatoid arthritis. The study found greater BMI was associated with increased CRP levels in these individuals.
Providing pedometers to individuals with rheumatoid arthritis increased activity levels and decreased fatigue. The study's findings suggest that simple increases in physical activity can help manage fatigue.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that antibodies against cartilage protein collagen II are associated with a good prognosis in rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that patients with these antibodies showed increased signs of inflammation during the first six months after diagnosis, but no difference later on.
Researchers found that IL-21 producing CD4+ T cells contribute to joint inflammation by activating synovial fibroblasts. This discovery holds promise for targeted therapies to decrease inflammation and improve quality of life for patients.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh found a potential inverse relationship between schizophrenia and rheumatoid arthritis, with eight genes showing opposing effects on risk. The study suggests that immune system dysfunction may play a role in both disorders.
Researchers developed an assay to detect autoantibodies present in rheumatoid arthritis patients, finding that memory B cells secrete these molecules. The study suggests targeting these immune system cells could lead to a cure for the disease.
A new subset of helper T-cells, called peripheral helper T-cells (Tph cells), has been identified as a key player in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. These genetically distinct T-cells are found in tissues affected by RA and can induce plasma cell differentiation and inflammation.
A research team at Brigham and Women's Hospital has identified a unique subset of T-cells that collaborate with other immune cells to drive inflammation in peripheral tissues. These cells display unusual biological features and stimulate B-cells to produce antibodies, contributing to tissue damage in autoimmune diseases.
Research found no association between high monitoring (health detail oriented) and more information receipt for RA patients, while high blunting was linked to more info for OA patients. This challenges typical patterns in acute and chronic disease coping literature.
The review highlights the need for personalized biologic dosing in rheumatoid arthritis treatment due to varying patient responses and drug concentrations. Implementing individualized doses can improve therapeutic outcomes while reducing costs.
Researchers found a common bacterial cause of gum disease may trigger rheumatoid arthritis by inducing hypercitrullination, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. A study published in Science Translational Medicine identified Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans as the primary pathogen responsible for this process.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham identified two types of synovial fibroblast cells responsible for cartilage damage in RA patients. The study suggests targeting these cell processes could lead to more effective and manageable treatments.
Researchers identified a gene variant that raises risk of severe rheumatoid arthritis, potentially leading to targeted treatment. The study found that the variant correlates with increased MIF production and structural changes in cells, resembling cancerous tissues.
A study published in Neurology shows a link between mothers with rheumatoid arthritis and children with epilepsy. Children born to mothers with rheumatoid arthritis were up to 90% more likely to develop epilepsy than those without RA. The study suggests changes in the environment for the fetus may play a role in developing epilepsy.
Researchers found that smoking and excess weight hindered the ability of RA patients to achieve optimal control of inflammation and symptoms. Patients who were overweight or obese saw less symptom relief compared to those with a healthy weight.
A global survey found that patients with RA are often not involved in decision-making, despite doctors acknowledging the importance of patient engagement. The study highlights gaps in communication between healthcare providers and their patients, with few patients having shared treatment goals or feeling comfortable voicing concerns.
A 10-year precision trial involving 24,081 patients in 13 countries investigated the cardiovascular safety of widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and COX-2-specific inhibitors. The trial found that celecoxib shares similar cardiovascular toxicity with rofecoxib, leading to increased nuance in analgesic recommendations for ...
Research shows that many patients with RA, spondyloarthritis, and other inflammatory joint diseases are not receiving adequate CVD-preventive medications, despite being at high risk. Only half of those who start treatment achieve their goals, highlighting a significant need for improvement in CVD prevention.
A study of 9,362 surgeries on 5,544 RA patients found that continuing DMARDs prior to surgery does not increase post-operative infection risk. Researchers recommend considering medication continuation during the perioperative period to maintain better control over RA and reduce complications.
Researchers found distinct monocyte gene expression signatures in RA patients with different responses to anti-TNF therapy, potentially leading to personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers found that patients treated with rituximab as their first biologic had a lower mortality risk compared to those treated with TNFi. The study included 353 patients with RA-ILD and analyzed five-year mortality rates, with RTX-treated patients showing numerically lower but not statistically significant risks.
Researchers identified three gene expression signatures that can help rheumatologists predict which patients are more likely to respond to certain therapies. The findings could lead to higher response rates and reduced likelihood of ineffective treatment, ultimately improving patient care.
Researchers found that people with RA have double the risk of CV events as those in the general population, rates similar to those with type-2 diabetes. Chronic inflammation in RA contributes independently to cardiovascular risks for these patients.
Researchers found that statin initiation was associated with a 33% reduction in all-cause mortality among AS and PsA patients. The study suggests that statins' dual benefits of lowering lipids and reducing inflammation may be the reason for this significant benefit.
Research finds elevated myocardial inflammation in RA patients, with treatment showing potential to improve inflammation levels. Studies use advanced imaging techniques to detect and quantify heart inflammation, suggesting a link between joint and heart inflammation.
Research suggests that RA patients who receive combined care from primary-care physicians and rheumatologists are more likely to be screened for hyperlipidemia. This study found that 47% of patients seeing both a PCP and rheumatologist were screened, compared to 42% of those seeing only a PCP.
A Mayo Clinic study found that type 1 interferon beta levels are associated with poor response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This discovery may lead to more personalized treatment approaches based on individual patient biology.
Early and aggressive treatment with biologic drugs may halt progressive bone loss in patients with RA. Biologic therapies targeting specific cytokines and signaling pathways show protective effects on the skeleton.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a blood test to detect early-stage osteoarthritis (OA) and distinguish it from other self-resolving inflammatory joint diseases. The test identifies biomarkers in plasma proteins damaged by oxidation, nitration, and glycation, enabling early detection and treatment.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified intestinal bacteria as a possible cause of rheumatoid arthritis and found a link between specific microbiota and the disease. Testing for certain gut bacteria may help predict and prevent rheumatoid arthritis, with potential applications in personalized treatment.
Researchers found that an extra-low dose combination of two anticytokines reduced rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and cardiovascular events. The study showed a lower incidence of cardiovascular events in patients treated with the combination, suggesting decreased cardiovascular risk.
A new study published in PNAS shows that vagus nerve stimulation significantly improves measures of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment, which involves stimulating the vagus nerve with an implantable device, has been shown to inhibit cytokine production and attenuate disease severity in humans.
A recent review by University of Alberta researchers found little evidence to support the benefits of vitamin D supplementation for various health conditions. Strongest effects were seen in reducing falls and fractures among the elderly. Moderate supplementation is unlikely to cause harm but will not lead to significant health benefits.
A study presented at EULAR 2016 found that a combination of text messages and individual counselling sessions motivated patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis to be more active, resulting in reduced daily sitting time and improved cholesterol levels. This behavioural intervention was effective in improving patient-reported clinical outcomes.
A study found that over one-third of active rheumatoid arthritis patients suffer from sexual problems, including low libido and painful intercourse. Factors contributing to these issues include lack of attraction, anxiety, and relationship problems.
Two studies presented at EULAR 2016 found that patients with positive expectations and autonomy are more likely to adhere to their treatment. Non-adherence is associated with factors such as anxiety, depression, and negative feelings, highlighting the need for strategies to improve treatment adherence.
A study presented at EULAR 2016 found that UK rheumatologists often deviate from NICE guidance on cost when treating RA patients, citing clinical autonomy and patient involvement as key factors. The study suggests that further research is needed to explore the impact of these deviations on patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Studies reveal distinct differences in key cellular processes and molecular signatures between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), as well as joint-specific variations in RA. These findings may enable precise targeting of treatment for each ailing joint, explaining why drugs vary in effect.
A new study reveals that prolonged repetitive physical workload increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, with certain types of work increasing the odds more than others. The study also found a significant interaction between genetic makeup and physical workload in relation to the development of RA.
A recent study published at EULAR 2016 found that patients with osteoarthritis (OA) are more likely to have their condition underestimated by rheumatologists than those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study highlighted the importance of understanding the impact of disease severity on treatment compliance and future outcomes. Resear...
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can selectively deliver drugs to inflamed joint tissue, improving tolerability and reducing treatment costs. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, allowing for early diagnosis and targeted therapy.
A recent study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are obese and smoke have a lower chance of achieving sustained remission after treatment. Encouraging patients to quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight could improve their symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of lifestyle factors in managing the disease.
A survey of over 3,600 adults with RA found that patients value patient participation in multidisciplinary team conferences, leading to better outcomes. Patients want more involvement in treatment planning, with 70% satisfied but desiring fewer medications and more choices.
Hospitalizations related to gout have increased dramatically, reflecting rising incidence and persistent suboptimal care. In contrast, hospitalizations for rheumatoid arthritis have dropped considerably over the past two decades due to improved management and treatment.
HUMIRA enhances the function of TNF in rheumatoid arthritis patients by increasing its expression on monocytes and promoting membrane-bound TNF-RII binding. This leads to the activation of anti-inflammatory T cells that can suppress inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients are at risk of developing hearing impairment due to various factors such as synovial destruction and environmental exposures. Regular audiometric tests and TEOAEs can detect early stages of the disease, and treatment options include oral steroids and intensifying Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs.
Researchers discovered that resolvin D1 promotes cartilage repair and reduces joint damage in mouse models of inflammatory arthritis. Administration of resolvin D1 dramatically reduced disease symptoms and promoted remission.
Researchers have discovered how compounds produced by the body's immune system help to dampen inflammation and prevent damage to healthy tissues. These compounds, called alpha defensins, may act on cells of the immune system to prevent excessive inflammation.
A phase-3 trial led by Stanford University shows baricitinib substantially reduces symptoms and improves daily functioning in refractory rheumatoid arthritis patients. The study, involving over 500 adults, found that baricitinib improved physical function and reduced markers of inflammation, with effects remaining at 24 weeks.
Researchers discovered that prooxidants can repair a metabolic flaw in T cells that drive rheumatoid arthritis. Treating arthritic mice with ROS-inducing drugs restored the T cells' redox balance and reduced joint inflammation.
A study in the American Journal of Pathology finds that serotonin deficiency is associated with worse rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms and pathology in mice. Serotonin or its agonists can reduce RA effects, suggesting a new therapeutic target for this debilitating disease.
Researchers identified a potential new approach to combating rheumatoid arthritis by blocking the effects of the disease using epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a molecule with anti-inflammatory properties found in green tea. The compound markedly reduced ankle swelling in an animal model of human rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at NIH/NIEHS discovered that increasing tristetraprolin (TTP) levels in mice significantly reduced or protected against inflammation. TTP may offer an effective treatment for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis.
Research finds occupational textile dust exposure associated with a more than doubling in rheumatoid arthritis risk. Genetic susceptibility to ACPA antibodies is also linked, with those exposed nearly three times as likely to develop the disease.
Scientists have discovered a blood test that can predict rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in some individuals even 16 years before the condition takes effect. The test detects antibodies targeting citrullinated tenascin-C, which were found in high levels in joints of people with RA.
Deaths from cardiovascular disease among people with rheumatoid arthritis are declining, according to a new study. Researchers found that efforts to prevent and diagnose heart problems may be paying off for patients with the chronic condition.
Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis significantly increases participants' overall risk of death, especially due to respiratory or cardiovascular causes. Seropositive RA was associated with a nearly three-fold increased risk of respiratory mortality compared to seronegative RA.
Pfizer announces new scientific abstracts and presentations for XELJANZ (tofacitinib citrate) in rheumatoid arthritis, including safety data, long-term extension studies, and real-world evaluation. The data highlights the efficacy and safety of XELJANZ in treating RA.
Scientists at Cardiff University have discovered a key protein that regulates inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, enabling the development of tailored treatment plans. This breakthrough has the potential to improve disease outcomes and quality of life for patients with this debilitating condition.
A high body mass index (BMI) is linked to a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in men, but not women, according to a Swedish study. The association was strongest in men with increased abdominal obesity or visceral fat.