ArthritisDigest2013
New recipe for replacement cartilage
A way to create artificial replacement tissue that mimics the strength and suppleness of natural cartilage has been engineered by a team from Duke University in the UK.
Articular cartilage is the tissue on the ends of bones where they meet at joints in the body including knees, shoulders and hips. It can erode over time or be damaged by injury or overuse, causing pain and lack of mobility. While replacing the tissue could bring relief to millions, replicating the properties of native cartilage (which is strong and load-bearing, yet smooth and cushiony) has proven a challenge. Continue reading
Lupus leads to higher fracture risk, says new study
People with lupus could be more likely to experience clinical fractures, says research published in Osteoporosis International.
A total of 4,343 people with lupus were compared with a group of healthy people and monitored for over six years. Continue reading
Compound reduces joint inflammation offering future hope to those with rheumatoid arthritis
An experimental compound was found to significantly reduce joint inflammation in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis, says research published in Arthritis & Rheumatism.
The study showed the compound, known as SR2211, blocked development of virtually all symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in mice within the first eight to ten days of treatment. The mice also showed reduced bone and cartilage erosion compared to animals that did not receive treatment. Continue reading
Cognitive behavioural therapy can alter grey matter of people with chronic pain
An increase in grey matter correlates with a decrease in catastrophising in the brains of people with chronic pain who have cognitive behavioural therapy, says a study published in Pain.
Previous research has found that people with chronic pain have reduced grey matter in areas of the brain related to the anticipation, experience and transmission of pain. But until now there hasn’t been much research on the plasticity of the brain in response to psychological interventions. Continue reading
Alpacas to the rescue?
An antibody derived from alpacas significantly reduced cartilage erosion and inflammatory cell infiltration in two mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis, says research published in Arthritis Research & Therapy.
When mice with arthritis were injected with the antibody sdAbA1, they had significantly lower scores for hind paw arthritis. The antibody produced better decreases in inflammatory cells that the commonly used drug infliximab, and no toxic effects were observed. Continue reading
