ScienceDaily: Arthritis News

Vitamin C does not lower uric acid levels in gout patients, study finds

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:37:37 EDT

Despite previous studies touting its benefit in moderating gout risk, new research reveals that vitamin C, also known ascorbic acid, does not reduce uric acid (urate) levels to a clinically significant degree in patients with established gout. Vitamin C supplementation, alone or in combination with allopurinol, appears to have a weak effect on lowering uric acid levels in gout patients, according to the results of a new study.

Stronger partnerships to improve healthcare

Tue, 14 May 2013 21:31:31 EDT

Today the British Medical Journal calls for doctors and patients to join together as partners to improve healthcare.

Discovery shows fat triggers rheumatoid arthritis: Paves way for new gene therapies

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:30:30 EDT

Scientists have discovered that fat cells in the knee secrete a protein linked to arthritis, a finding that paves the way for new gene therapies that could offer relief and mobility to millions of people worldwide.

Regular, moderate exercise does not worsen pain in people with fibromyalgia

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:55:55 EDT

For many people who have fibromyalgia, even the thought of exercising is painful. Yet a new study shows that exercise does not worsen the pain associated with the disorder and may even lessen it over time.

Foul-smelling gas shows health benefits in reducing joint swelling

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:05:05 EDT

Scientists have discovered that a novel drug molecule, which slowly generates the gas hydrogen sulfide, effectively reduces swelling and inflammation in arthritic joints.

Discovery of new genes will help childhood arthritis treatment

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:29:29 EDT

Scientists have identified 14 new genes which could have important consequences for future treatments of childhood arthritis.

Even a few cigarettes a day increases risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:10:10 EDT

Number of cigarettes smoked a day and the number of years a person has smoked both increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), finds new research. The risk decreases after giving up smoking but, compared to people who have never smoked, this risk is still elevated 15 years after giving up.

Insight into osteoarthritis

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:26:26 EDT

To better understand the onset and progression of osteoarthritis, scientists looked at cells from articular cartilage using atomic force microscopy.

Knee bracing can 'significantly' reduce pain of kneecap osteoarthritis, study suggests

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:39:39 EDT

Wearing a knee brace has been shown to “significantly improve the pain and symptoms” of a type of osteoarthritis affecting the kneecap, according to a new study.

Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may affect abortion rate in women

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:54:54 EDT

A new study reveals that women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were on methotrexate, a drug commonly used to reduce inflammation caused by RA, had lower rates of induced abortions compared to women with RA who were not exposed to the medication.

Low testosterone levels may herald rheumatoid arthritis in men

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:01:01 EDT

Low testosterone levels may herald the subsequent development of rheumatoid arthritis in men, new research suggests.

New strategy to effectively treat, prevent osteoarthritis

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:05:05 EDT

Researchers have found that adding lubricin, a protein that our bodies naturally produce, to the fluid in our joints may reduce the risk of or even prevent osteoarthritis.

Links between lifestyle and risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:51:51 EDT

Researchers have found a link between several lifestyle factors and pre-existing conditions, including smoking cigarettes and diabetes, and an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Weight loss may prevent, treat osteoarthritis in obese patients

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:38:38 EST

Weight loss may prevent and significantly alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis, a progressive disease of the joints known as "wear and tear."

Use of certain therapies for inflammatory diseases does not appear to increase risk of shingles

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:40:40 EST

Although patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a disproportionately higher incidence of herpes zoster (shingles), an analysis that included nearly 60,000 patients with RA and other inflammatory diseases found that those who initiated anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies were not at higher risk of herpes zoster compared with patients who initiated nonbiologic treatment regimens, according to a new study.

Double-jointed adolescents at risk for joint pain, study finds

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:03:03 EST

A prospective study by U.K. researchers found that adolescents who are double-jointed-- medically termed joint hypermobility -- are at greater risk for developing musculoskeletal pain as they get older, particularly in the shoulders, knees, ankles and feet.

Rheumatism: Scientists improve arthritis treatments

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 07:54:54 EST

Scientists have presented a new therapy approach for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic form of joint inflammation. The new therapy study was especially directed at patients who showed no adequate response to conventional treatment with tumor-necrosis-factor directed reagents (anti TNF). The new approach represents a combined form of treatment with the medication Methotrexat and Tofacitinib.

Rheumatoid arthritis prevented in mice: Infusions of regulatory T cells turn off autoimmune attack on joints

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:47:47 EST

Scientists have demonstrated a new strategy for treating autoimmune disease that successfully blocked the development of rheumatoid arthritis in a mouse model. They say it holds promise for improved treatment of arthritis and other autoimmune disorders in people.

Sunlight may help ward off rheumatoid arthritis in women

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:45:45 EST

Regular exposure to sunlight -- specifically ultraviolet B -- may reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, indicates a large long-term study.

Immune cell 'survival' gene key to better myeloma treatments

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 14:55:55 EST

Scientists have identified the gene essential for survival of antibody-producing cells, a finding that could lead to better treatments for diseases where these cells are out of control, such as myeloma and chronic immune disorders. They discovered that a gene called Mcl-1 is critical for keeping this vital immune cell population alive.

New insight into mechanics of arthritis

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:19:19 EST

A new, noninvasive, and low-cost method for the early detection and monitoring of osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by wear and tear) may be on its way, thanks to new research.

New target for rheumatoid arthritis drugs

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:20:20 EST

Researchers have identified a potential new target for drugs to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Efforts to develop drugs that hone in on this new target are underway.

Gene's role in rheumatoid arthritis uncovered: Findings pave way for new treatments

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:34:34 EST

Research sheds new light on why certain people are more likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis -- paving the way to explore new treatments for both arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

Newly approved oral medication slows rheumatoid arthritis joint damage

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:22:22 EST

A Phase 3 clinical trial demonstrates that tofacitinib improves disease activity and inhibits progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients who did not respond to methotrexate.

New treatment for psoriasis?

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:25:25 EST

Three per cent of the world’s population suffer from the skin condition known as psoriasis. A Norwegian research-based company is close to developing a treatment that could help millions. The research may also prove beneficial in the treatment of other illnesses.

Osteoarthritis: New light shed on how painful joint wear and tear develops

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 09:43:43 EST

Inflammatory joint disease (arthritis) is affecting more and more, and especially older, people. In a recent survey, 39 per cent of people over the age of 60 stated that they have a form of arthritis. One particular form of the condition is osteoarthritis, which is wear and tear on the joints. A team of researchers is focusing on glycobiology in orthopedics and has now discovered a factor that plays an important role in the development of osteoarthritis.

Arthritis research: Mouse model of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis discovered

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST

Researchers have made a breakthrough that could lead to a better understanding of the second most common form of arthritis that, until now, has eluded scientists. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis or DISH, is a form of degenerative arthritis characterized by the formation of excessive mineral deposits along the sides of the vertebrae in the neck and back, causing severe pain. The researchers have discovered the first-ever mouse model of this disease.

Complications challenge RA patients after joint replacement surgery

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:37:37 EST

In the first systemic review of evidence assessing complications following total joint arthroplasty, patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were found to have an increased risk for hip dislocation after hip replacement surgery compared to those with osteoarthritis.

'Walking on marbles' could be a thing of the past for arthritis patients

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:01:01 EST

Researchers are undertaking a new stage of a study aimed at improving the health and mobility of those suffering from the common complaint of 'walking on marbles' associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the feet.

Arthritis study reveals why gender bias is all in the genes

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:05:05 EST

Researchers have pieced together new genetic clues to the arthritis puzzle in a study that brings potential treatments closer to reality and could also provide insights into why more women than men succumb to the disabling condition.

Rare parasitic fungi could have anti-flammatory benefits

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:40:40 EST

Caterpillar fungi are rare parasites found on hibernating caterpillars in the mountains of Tibet. For centuries they have been highly prized as a traditional Chinese medicine - just a small amount can fetch hundreds of dollars.

Expensive arthritis treatment no better than steroid therapy, study finds

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:36:36 EST

A randomized, double-blind clinical trial has revealed that corticosteroids are more effective than the more expensive treatment in providing pain relief to patients with thumb arthritis.

Researchers identify impact of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus on joint replacement surgery outcomes

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:36:36 EST

Two new studies have overturned common beliefs about joint replacement in patients with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Decreasing medication does not equal more risks for people with rheumatoid arthritis in remission

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:36:36 EST

Extending the time between doses, or tapering, TNF-inhibitor drugs in people with rheumatoid arthritis in remission can be done in some patients without significantly increasing disease activity or impairing joint function, according to new research findings.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients can get gout too, study finds

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:36:36 EST

Refuting a belief long held by many physicians, a new study found that rheumatoid arthritis patients also can get gout.

Extra weight linked to rheumatoid arthritis risk in women

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:35:35 EST

Being overweight is linked to a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women, according to new research findings.

Autoantibodies could be a warning sign for cardiovascular disease in people with rheumatoid arthritis

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:35:35 EST

The presence of autoantibodies in the blood may be connected to a higher risk of the development of cardiovascular disease, not just in individuals with diagnosed autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, but in the general population, according to new research findings.

Race and gender: Key factors in lifetime knee osteoarthritis risk; African-American women most at risk

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:35:35 EST

Race and ethnicity, along with gender, are important factors in determining both short-term and lifetime risk of developing symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, according to new research findings.

Depression risk factor for mortality in rheumatoid arthritis; men most at risk

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:35:35 EST

Depression is higher in men and women with rheumatoid arthritis, and may increase mortality in this population, according to new research findings.

Biologics may prevent premature death in people with rheumatoid arthritis, study suggests

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:34:34 EST

According to new research, treatment with biologic medications may reduce the risk of premature death in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Game changer for arthritis and anti-fibrosis drugs

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:29:29 EST

Medical researchers have identified a way to treat inflammation while potentially minimizing a serious side effect of current medications: the increased risk for infection.

Complementary and alternative therapy improved lives of arthritis patients, study suggests

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 08:13:13 EDT

Nearly a quarter of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis used complementary and alternative therapy (CAT) to help manage their condition, according to a new study.

Not all juvenile arthritis is the same

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:43:43 EDT

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) is currently classified as a subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis but with the addition of systemic inflammation often resulting in fever, rash and serositis. New research shows that the arthritic and systemic components of SJIA are related, but that the inflammatory pathways involved in SJIA are different from those in the more common polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (POLY).

Rare cells regulate immune responses; May offer novel treatment for autoimmune diseases

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 16:29:29 EDT

Reproducing a rare type of B cell in the laboratory and infusing it back into the body may provide an effective treatment for severe autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, according to researchers.

Inflammation-fighting mechanism may point to new treatments of rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune diseases

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 09:25:25 EDT

Scientists in Belgium have discovered a mechanism used by the protein A20 to combat inflammation. This could be a very important point of focus in the search for a treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, in which the patient suffers from chronic, uncontrolled inflammation.

'Humanized' mice advance study of rheumatoid arthritis; Human stell cells implanted in mice improve chances of better therapies

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:35:35 EDT

Researchers have developed the first animal model that duplicates the human response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an important step that may enable scientists to discover better medicines to treat the disease. This is the first time human stem cells have been transplanted into mice in order to find RA treatments.

Scientists develop novel technology to identify biomarkers for ulcerative colitis

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 19:52:52 EDT

Scientists have developed a novel technology that can identify, in animal models, potential biomarkers of ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the colon.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis appear to be at increased risk for blood clots

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:17:17 EDT

A study that included more than 45,000 residents of Sweden with rheumatoid arthritis finds that individuals with this disease had an associated higher risk of venous thromboembolism (a blood clot that forms within a vein), and that this elevated risk was stable for 10 years after the time of diagnosis.

Eating cherries lowers risk of gout attacks by 35%, study suggests

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 08:53:53 EDT

A new study found that patients with gout who consumed cherries over a two-day period showed a 35% lower risk of gout attacks compared to those who did not eat the fruit. New findings also suggest that risk of gout flares was 75% lower when cherry intake was combined with the uric-acid reducing drug, allopurinol, than in periods without exposure to cherries or treatment.

Gout guidelines arm patients and physicians with tools to fight painful disease

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:16:16 EDT

Gout is one of the most common forms of inflammatory arthritis, affecting nearly 4% of adult Americans. Newly approved guidelines that educate patients in effective methods to prevent gout attacks and provide physicians with recommended therapies for long-term management of this painful disease are published in Arthritis Care & Research, a peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

Using antibodies against immune deficiency

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:29:29 EDT

Early, intensive therapy with a biotechnologically produced medication can provide significantly faster pain relief for patients with rheumatic joint inflammation. Damage to joints can also be reduced when the medication is applied right at the beginning of the illness, according to new research.

Chronic pain costs U.S. up to $635 billion, study shows

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 09:11:11 EDT

Health economists have reported the annual cost of chronic pain in the United States is as high as $635 billion a year, which is more than the yearly costs for cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

Raised antibody levels linked to greater long term risk of rheumatoid arthritis

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 19:08:08 EDT

Men and women with raised levels of an antibody known as rheumatoid factor in their blood have up to a 26-fold greater long term risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, a new study finds.

Infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Study finds way to pinpoint risk

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:11:11 EDT

Rheumatoid arthritis alone is painful and disabling, but it also puts patients at higher risk of death. The greater susceptibility to infections that accompanies the autoimmune disorder is one reason.

Mystery surrounding death of two sisters nearly 50 years ago finally solved

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:49:49 EDT

Researchers have identified the genetic cause of a rare and fatal bone disease by studying frozen skin cells that were taken from a child with the condition almost fifty years ago. Their study details how the MT1-MMP gene leads to the disease known as Winchester syndrome.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Discrepancies between patients and physicians in perception of rheumatoid arthritis quantified for first time

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 07:14:14 EDT

For people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, pain is the crucial factor in their personal perception of the condition. The doctors treating them, however, assess the severity of the disease based on the swelling of the joints. This discrepancy often leads to conflict between patients and their physicians, as a study has now revealed in more detail for the first time.

New attack on pain caused by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:44:44 EDT

Medical researchers are working on a new therapy that can potentially control the pain caused by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Stem cells may prevent post-injury arthritis

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:28:28 EDT

Researchers may have found a promising stem cell therapy for preventing osteoarthritis after a joint injury.

No difference in death rates among patients exposed to common rheumatoid arthritis drugs, study suggests

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 08:13:13 EDT

New research confirms no significant difference in the rates of death among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were exposed to one of several TNF inhibitors used to treat RA, adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), and infliximab (Remicade).

Inflammatory pathway spurs cancer stem cells to resist HER2-targeted breast cancer treatment

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:26:26 EDT

Researchers have discovered one reason why the cancer cells become resistant to Herceptin: They turn on a completely different pathway, one that is involved in inflammation, fueling the cancer independently of HER2.