Rheumatoid arthritis signaling protein reverses Alzheimer’s disease in mouse model

New study shows GM-CSF reduces AD pathology and eliminates memory loss

A signaling protein released during rheumatoid arthritis dramatically reduced Alzheimer’s disease pathology and reversed the memory impairment of mice bred to develop symptoms of the neurodegenerative disease, a new study by the University of South Florida reports. Researchers found that the protein, GM-CSF, likely stimulates the body’s natural scavenger cells to attack and remove Alzheimer’s amyloid deposits in the brain.

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‘Rotten eggs’ gas and inflammation in arthritic joints

Latest research shows for the first time that hydrogen sulfide is present in the fluid inside the human knee joint (synovial fluid) and may protect against inflammation

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is a gas more commonly associated with the smell of ‘rotten eggs’ and blocked drains. However, it has now been shown to be present naturally in our bodies and reside in knee joint synovial fluid, the protective fluid found in the cavities of joints that reduces friction between the cartilage of joints during movement. Synovial fluid H₂S may play a role in reducing inflammation in joints.

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New rheumatoid arthritis criteria to stave off disabling disease for thousands of people

2010 Rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria: an American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism collaborative initiative

New criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, could prevent thousands of people from developing disabling late stage disease, by redefining how RA should be classified.

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New way of classifying rheumatoid arthritis aimed at identifying the disease earlier

Criteria will allow researchers to study patients earlier during the course of RA — leading to better patient outcomes

The American College of Rheumatology today announced the release of revised classification criteria (created in collaboration with the European League Against Rheumatism) for rheumatoid arthritis, which will allow the study of treatments for RA at much earlier stages of the disease—before joint damage occurs—ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

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Lubricating the knee cartilage after ACL repair may prevent osteoarthritis

PROVIDENCE, RI – An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is fairly common, especially among young athletes. While it can often be corrected through surgery, the injury can lead to increased risk of developing degenerative joint diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). The problem is that fluid in the knee joint, which lubricates the cartilage, is impacted by the trauma of the injury and begins to deteriorate. A new study from Rhode Island Hospital researchers identifies options for restoring that lubrication to potentially prevent development of OA. The study is published in the August 2010 edition of the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism and is now available online ahead of print.

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Alcohol reduces the severity of rheumatoid arthritis

Drinking alcohol may reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis according to new research published today. It is the first time that this effect has been shown in humans. The study also finds that alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing the disease, confirming the results of previous studies.

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Scientists discover clues to inflammatory disease

Immune system cells called macrophages spring into action to surround and destroy threats such as viruses or cancer cells. But sometimes the would-be protective response leads to persistent inflammation, which, in turn, can cause disease.

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Cancer drug shows promise for treating a wide range of inflammatory diseases

New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests bortezomib induces cell death in activated and proliferating T cells, leaving resting T cells untouched, offering hope for reducing or eliminating dangerous inflammation

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Surgical repair of knee injuries does not decrease risk of osteoarthritis

OAK BROOK, Ill. – Arthroscopic surgical repair of torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) or meniscal cartilage injuries in the knee does not decrease the chances of developing osteoarthritis, according to a new study published in the online edition and August print issue of the journal Radiology.

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Early and aggressive arthritis treatment recommended

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) should be used early and aggressively at the first sign of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The results of an 11-year trial, published in BioMed Central’s open access journal Arthritis Research & Therapy, demonstrate that active treatment from the very beginning pays off, even in the long run.

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