Sjogren’s syndrome
Protein found that halts inflammation – good news for people with autoimmune disorders
A protein called NLRP12 is the new focus for targeted therapies to halt the severe inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders, scientists highlight in Immunity.
The team found that NLRP12 works in T cells (white blood cells that are very important in the immune system) to limit production of chemical messengers or cytokines (proteins that regulate the immune response) that fuel inflammation.
Deletion of the NLRP12 gene led to T cells making more cytokines. Continue reading
Mouth and eye symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis may be Sjögren’s syndrome
People with rheumatoid arthritis who experience symptoms in the eye and mouth may actually have secondary Sjögren’s syndrome, experts report. And as such they should be investigated by having a salivary biopsy.
The research team looked at 46 people with rheumatoid arthritis, 20 people with rheumatoid arthritis and secondary Sjögren’s syndrome 52 healthy people. The majority of the participants were women. Continue reading
Self-referral for physiotherapy would mean faster treatment for people with arthritis and back pain and less expense for the NHS – new report
Physiotherapists should become the first point of contact for people with back pain and other musculoskeletal problems, says a new report from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Self-referral for physiotherapy could lead to better outcomes for patients, free up time for GPs and save millions for the cash-strapped NHS. Continue reading
Molecule identified that could lead to new drugs for lupus and Sjogren’s
An inflammatory molecule that appears to play an essential role in systemic lupus erythematosus has been identified by a team from Massachusetts General Hospital, they report in Nature Immunology.
The protein seems to regulate cells in the innate immune system – the body’s first line of defence against infection. Studies on mice found that the protein’s activity is needed for the development of lupus symptoms. It is hoped that suppressing the innate immune pathway could reduce symptoms of the autoimmune disorder. Continue reading
UK local authorities missing the health needs of people with arthritis and back pain
Many communities are being failed by local authorities in England, says a report from Arthritis Research UK, which highlights that 26% of local authorities did not mention arthritis in their Joint Strategic Needs Assessments. And 62% of local authorities missed back pain in their assessment of the health needs of the communities that they serve. Continue reading
