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Scorpion venom component can reduce severity of rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that a scorpion venom component, iberiotoxin, can specifically block the potassium channel in fibroblast-like synoviocytes, reducing rheumatoid arthritis severity. Treatment with iberiotoxin reversed joint damage and inflammation in rat models without inducing side effects.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateFeb 26, 2018

Gene expression study may help guide Arthritis care

Researchers identified distinct patterns in gene expression in synovial tissue samples, revealing differences in pain mechanisms among rheumatoid arthritis patients. These findings may help clinicians develop targeted treatment strategies for patients with minimal inflammation but high disease activity scores.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateFeb 22, 2018

Can interrupting a cell's power source after injury protect against post-traumatic osteoarthritis?

Researchers use a compound called amobarbital to protect joints from cartilage loss after injury, showing promise in preventing post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The study's findings suggest that targeting mitochondria after joint fractures could substantially improve quality of life for PTOA patients.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2018

Study: Patients benefit from one-on-one PT education before joint replacement

A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that patients who received one-on-one physical therapy education and access to a web-based microsite prior to joint replacement surgery achieved physical therapy goals more quickly. This personalized approach improved their outcomes, including reduced hospital stay and increased confidence.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJan 17, 2018

Small increases in complications when knee replacement done as outpatient procedure

A recent study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that outpatient total knee replacement surgery is associated with a higher risk of certain complications, including infections, repeat surgery, and blood clots. Patients undergoing outpatient TKA were more likely to experience joint-related complications and medical ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateDec 13, 2017

That feeling in your bones

Researchers analyzed millions of doctor visits to find no correlation between rainfall and painful joints or sore backs. Despite the lack of evidence, many people still believe that certain symptoms are forecasted by weather conditions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 13, 2017

Scientists identify new marker of arthritis in mice

Researchers have discovered a new marker, Ratiometric thrombin-Activatable Cell Penetrating Peptide, to identify joints with established arthritis and predict subsequent swelling. This imaging tool may help clinicians monitor arthritis development and progression, enabling early intervention.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateNov 22, 2017

'Wooden shoe' rather wear sneakers?

Western University researchers have found a high prevalence of bone lesions in the feet of 19th-Century Dutch farmers who wore wooden shoes, also known as klompen. The study suggests that these shoes were partly to blame for the injuries and trauma suffered by the farmers.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalInternational Journal of Paleopathology·DateNov 16, 2017

Chronic migraine cases are amplified by jawbone disorder, according to research

Researchers found that chronic migraine patients are three times as likely to suffer from severe temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which causes difficulty chewing and joint tension. The study suggests that TMD may increase the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, but it does not directly cause the condition.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics·DateSep 22, 2017

Knee joint signals bones to grow

Researchers discovered a communication system between the knee joint and developing bones in mice, which controls bone growth during early development and after injury. The study suggests that bone growth is controlled not only from within the bone itself but also by neighboring cells situated in nearby joints.

SourceeLife·DateJul 25, 2017

Eating fish may reduce arthritis symptoms

A recent study found that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who consumed fish at least 2 times a week had lower disease activity compared to those who ate fish less than once a month. The study, which assessed 176 patients, suggests that fish consumption may lower inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJun 21, 2017

New effective treatments for psoriatic arthritis patients

Two new drug classes, tofacitinib and guselkumab, have shown significant improvements in treating psoriatic arthritis. Tofacitinib demonstrated superiority over placebo in ACR20 response rates and HAQ-DI score at 3 months, while guselkumab improved joint symptoms, physical function, and quality of life in patients with active PsA.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 16, 2017

'Harder, better, faster, stronger'-tethered soft exosuit reduces metabolic cost of running

Researchers developed a tethered soft exosuit that reduces the metabolic cost of running on a treadmill by 5.4% compared to not wearing the exosuit. The study tested two different assistance profiles, one based on human biology and another based on simulation, with the latter outperforming the former in reducing metabolic cost.

Stem cells edited to fight arthritis

Scientists rewired mouse stem cells using CRISPR to produce biologic anti-inflammatory drugs that protect joints and tissues from chronic inflammation. The engineered cells can sense TNF-alpha and release a protective drug to combat inflammation.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateApr 27, 2017