Fw: [Spiritual-Insights] Arthritis Research Update - November/December 2007

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Research Update - November/December 2007

In this issue:Smoking, Genetics & RAThe strongest genetic risk factor for the development of rheumatoid arthritis is the allele known as the “shared epitope.” Research has shown that some environmental or other non-genetic factors must be at play as well. Cigarette smoking has now been established as one of those environmental factors that has a clear relationship with RA onset. Because glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are believed to have an important role in detoxifying harmful components in cigarette smoke, the relationships among the shared epitope, a gene that regulates GST production, smoking and the presence of RA are being investigated.

Bone Marrow Lesions and Knee PainWe know that osteoarthritis is a disease of the entire joint, including the bones, ligaments, cartilage, joint capsule and synovium. The pain must be originating from one of these sources, but which one? A new study examines if bone bruises, commonly associated with OA, could be one cause of the pain.

B Cell Depletion in LupusIt is believed that B cells play an important role in autoimmunity. Ridding the body of B cells through the use of the biologic agent rituximab is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, and is now being studied for use as a lupus treatment as well. Scientists are working to understand why B-cell depletion in people with lupus is not always as complete or as long-lasting as it is for people with RA who receive rituximab.

Engineering Cartilage for the Jaw JointArthritis of the jaw joint can make eating, talking and yawning terribly painful. Engineering cartilage and bone to replace the damaged portion of the jaw is one treatment goal. To grow new tissue, cells are seeded onto a framework, grown in the lab and inserted into the joint to replace the damaged cartilage. A Foundation-funded scientist has set out to determine the best cells to use for growing new cartilage for the jaw.

Chondroitin Sulfate and Hyaluronic Acid Size as Indicators of Joint DiseaseThe lubricating fluid of the joint contains long chains of sugar molecules called GAGs. Hyaluronan contributes to the fluid’s lubricating properties and chondroitin sulfate is a structural component that helps give cartilage its strength. These two GAGs are being studied as biomarkers of metabolic changes in joints, including as markers of OA.

Suneel S. Apte, MBBS, DPhil and His Work with ADAMTS ProteasesSuneel S. Apte, MBBS, DPhil, has been studying metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the context of skeletal development, arthritis and cancer – he’s also been running marathons and raising children. His current grant from the Northeastern Ohio Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation allows him to study ADAMTS proteases, many of which are relevant to arthritis. Learn more about Dr. Apte’s work with these molecules and about his life outside the lab.

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*This is a PDF document and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.Research Update is compiled by the Research Communications Specialist, National Office.

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