Could carbs cause rheumatoid arthritis?

[Guest guest]

BOSTON (AP) -- A study in mice raises the possibility that carbohydrates in

human tissue may be a target of the misguided immune system attack that

results in rheumatoid arthritis.

The case, however, is still far from proven, and much more research will be

necessary to show how these essential components of cells might be involved

in this crippling autoimmune disease, which affects about 2.1 million

Americans.

The research, conducted by Dr. Wang and colleagues from Boston's

Brigham and Women's Hospital, was presented this week at a meeting of the

American Chemical Society.

Experts have long known that rheumatoid arthritis results when the body's own

disease-fighting cells attack the cartilage and joints. The new work suggests

that the specific target of this onslaught is essential carbohydrates in the

tissue.

" This is potentially of enormous importance, " said Dr. H. Klippel,

medical director of the Arthritis Foundation.

If the theory proves true, it could eventually lead to new medicines for

protecting the joints from this destruction.

The researchers believe the target of the disease is carbohydrates called

glycosaminoglycans, which are naturally present in joint cartilage and fluid,

among other places.

In the experiment, the researchers injected glycosaminoglycans into mice and

found that it triggered arthritis symptoms, including swelling, inflammation

and joint damage.

" This study shows that rheumatoid arthritis may result from the body's

mishandling of its own carbohydrates that, under normal circumstances, would

not be interpreted as a threat, " Wang said.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 09/02/2002 10:53:05 AM US Eastern Standard Time,

melanie@... writes:

> so I cut back considerably and for me it did

> decrease my fibro pain.

>

meee too..and I can tell a HUGE difference..kinda thought that article was

interesting..so I sent it on..hope ya'll think so too.

Allicia

[Guest guest]

I was a big carb eater until I read somewhere that carbohydrates can

increase fibro pain, so I cut back considerably and for me it did

decrease my fibro pain.

- melanie@...

To err is human - to forgive canine.