Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
FDA: Cancer Warnings Required for TNF Blockers – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requiring stronger warnings in the prescribing information for a class of drugs known as TNF blockers or TNF inhibitors.
Obesity contributes to rapid cartilage loss – Obesity is strongly associated with an increased risk of rapid cartilage loss, revealed by researchers at Boston University. The study published in the August issue of Radiology.
Study examines relationship between bone density and erosion in arthritis. – A new study has examined the relationship between two rheumatoid arthritis related processes i.e. focal erosions and osteoporosis, in the hopes of providing insight into the underlying pathophysiology of RA-related bone disease.
Trial shows promise for arthritis drug — Rheumatoid arthritis drug masitinib found effective. – A clinical trial of masitinib, a drug in development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, has shown it to be well tolerated and effective, revealed by researchers in BioMed Central’s journal Arthritis Research and Therapy.
Total knee replacement appears cost-effective in older adults — study: Cost-effectiveness of Total Knee Arthroplasty in the United States. – Total knee replacement (arthroplasty) appears to be a cost-effective procedure for older adults with advanced osteoarthritis in the US Medicare, revealed by researchers.
ABCG2 gene mutation is responsible for causing the joint inflammation and pain that are symptoms of gout — Johns Hopkins scientists out a gene for gout. – Johns Hopkins scientists out a gene for gout – ABCG2 gene mutation is responsible for causing the joint inflammation and pain that are symptoms of gout.
Aussie and Kiwi researchers make double MS genetic discovery – 2 new locations of genes causing multiple sclerosis. – Two new locations of genes responsible for multiple sclerosis are discovered which will help to unravel the causes of MS and other autoimmune disease, revealed by Australian and New Zealand researchers
Psoriasis associated with cardiovascular disease and increased mortality – Psoriasis skin disease is associated with atherosclerosis (a buildup of plaque in the arteries) characterized by an increased prevalence of ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease and an increased risk of death, revealed by researchers.
Exercise improves functional and psychological ability and reduces steroid need in rheumatoid arthritis – Undertaking a supervised exercise programme can have beneficial effects on functional status and physical function, reduce the need for daily corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory intake and improve levels of depression and anxiety in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
High blood pressure patients with related and non-related co-existing medical conditions were more likely to receive overall good quality care . – Contrary to some previous indications, sicker high blood pressure patients are more likely to receive high-quality care than those with fewer medical needs, researchers report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Genes and smoking play role in rheumatoid arthritis — News from Arthritis & Rheumatism. – Recent genetic studies have revealed several new sites of genes that are risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), revealed by researchers in the June issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.
Identification of genetic variants affecting age at menopause could help improve fertility treatment – For the first time, scientists have been able to identify genetic factors that influence the age at which natural menopause occurs in women. Ms Lisette Stolk, a researcher from Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, told the annual conference of the European Society of Human Genetics that a greater understanding of the factors influencing age at menopause might eventually help to improve the clinical treatment of infertile women.
