Rheumatoid Arthritis and Iron Deficiency: What a New Genetic Study Means for You

If you live with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you already know it affects far more than just your joints. It’s a whole-body condition — and fatigue is one of the most common, difficult symptoms to live with. But what if some of that deep exhaustion isn’t just from RA itself?

A new genetic study suggests something important:

RA may directly increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

This means iron deficiency could be silently adding to your fatigue, brain fog, and breathlessness — and many people with RA never know it.

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 What the Study Found

1. RA can cause a higher risk of iron deficiency anemia

Using Mendelian randomization (a genetic method that shows cause, not just correlation), researchers found that people genetically predisposed to RA are more likely to develop iron deficiency anemia.

2. RA does not automatically cause all forms of anemia

The risk increase was specific to iron deficiency, not anemia in general.

3. RA-related immune pathways interfere with iron

The inflammation and immune activation seen in RA — especially through pathways like interferon-gamma, Th1/Th2, and Th17 cells — can:

• Block iron absorption

• Trap iron inside cells

• Reduce iron transport

• Increase iron demand

This can lead to iron deficiency even if you’re eating well or your hemoglobin looks normal.

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What Iron Deficiency Can Feel Like

Symptoms often overlap with RA, which is why they get missed:

• Extreme fatigue

• Feeling breathless or easily winded

• Heart palpitations

• Feeling unusually cold

• Dizziness

• Restless legs

• Brain fog

• Weakness

• Pale skin or dark under-eye circles

Many people with RA live with these symptoms thinking they’re “just part of the disease.”

Just two of the symptoms of iron deficiency

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My Personal Story With Iron Deficiency and RA

For the longest time, I assumed every ounce of fatigue I felt was simply RA doing what RA does. I pushed through dizziness, breathlessness, and that sinking, heavy tiredness that made everyday tasks feel ten times harder. I kept telling myself: this is just how it is.

My usual blood tests looked “fine,” so I tried to convince myself that I was fine, too. But something inside me kept whispering that this level of exhaustion wasn’t normal — not even for RA.

Eventually, I asked for a full iron panel, including ferritin.
That’s when everything clicked:

  My iron stores were almost depleted, even though my hemoglobin was normal.

It was such a mix of emotions.
Relief — because finally there was an explanation.
Sadness — because I’d spent months believing I was failing, instead of being iron-deficient.

Once I started treating the deficiency, the difference was noticeable. My mind felt clearer. The crushing fatigue eased. Walking didn’t leave me gasping for air. I finally felt a little more like myself again.

It taught me something important:
RA can interfere with iron in sneaky ways, and iron deficiency can hide behind “normal” blood tests.

If you feel like your fatigue is out of proportion — or simply different from your usual RA tiredness — it’s absolutely worth asking your doctor for proper iron studies.

You don’t have to just push through it. And you’re not imagining it.

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What Tests to Ask For

To properly screen for iron deficiency (not just anemia), ask for:

✔ Ferritin (most important — measures iron stores)
✔ Iron
✔ Transferrin saturation (TSAT)
✔ Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)
✔ Hemoglobin

Ferritin can be low long before hemoglobin drops — meaning you can be iron-deficient without technically being “anemic.”

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What This Means for People With RA

This study supports what many people with RA feel but rarely get validated for:

RA affects iron regulation — and iron deficiency can make fatigue significantly worse.

The good news is that iron deficiency is treatable. And treating it can improve:

• Energy levels

• Stamina

• Mental clarity

• Mood

• Sleep

• Overall quality of life

It won’t cure RA, but it can lighten the load you carry every day.

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Final Thoughts

This new research strengthens the idea that RA is not just a joint disease — it affects your entire immune system, your metabolism, and even how your body handles iron.

If you’re living with a level of fatigue that feels unfair, overwhelming, or out of character for your usual RA symptoms, you are not alone — and you’re not “just tired.”

A simple iron panel could make a world of difference.

You deserve answers.
You deserve energy.
And you deserve to feel as well as possible while living with RA.

Targeted Drug Delivery for RA: A New Era of Precision and Relief

Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can feel like a daily battle—pain, stiffness, fatigue, and the uncertainty of flare-ups. While current treatments help many people manage symptoms, they often come with side effects and don’t always work the same for everyone. But there's good news: scientists are developing smarter, more precise ways to treat RA using something called targeted drug delivery systems.

Let’s break down what that means—and why it could be a game-changer for you.

What Is Targeted Drug Delivery?

Imagine your medication acting like a GPS-guided package. Instead of traveling all over your body, it goes straight to the inflamed joints or immune cells causing trouble. That’s the idea behind targeted drug delivery systems (DDS). These tiny carriers—often made from materials like liposomes or nanoparticles—are designed to deliver medicine exactly where it’s needed.

Why It Matters for RA Patients

Here’s how targeted DDS could improve life with RA:

• Fewer side effects: Because the drug avoids healthy tissues, you’re less likely to experience nausea, fatigue, or other unwanted reactions.

• Better symptom control: More medicine reaches the inflamed joints, which could mean faster relief and longer-lasting effects.

• Less frequent dosing: Some systems release medicine slowly over time, so you might not need to take it as often.

How It Works

Some DDS are designed to respond to changes in your body—like the acidity or temperature in inflamed joints. Others are coated with special molecules that “recognize” immune cells involved in RA. Once they arrive at the target, they release the medication right where it’s needed.

What’s Next?

These technologies are still being tested, but they’re moving closer to real-world use. Researchers are exploring:

• Personalized treatments based on your unique immune profile

• Microneedle patches that deliver drugs painlessly through the skin

• Smart materials that adjust to your body’s needs in real time

What You Can Do

If you’re curious about these new therapies, talk to your rheumatologist. Ask:

• “Are there any clinical trials I could consider?”

• “How might targeted therapies improve my treatment plan?”

• “What’s the timeline for these options becoming available?”

Final Thoughts

RA is complex, but science is catching up. Targeted drug delivery offers hope for more effective, personalized, and gentle treatment. It’s not just about managing symptoms—it’s about reclaiming your quality of life.

Stay informed, stay hopeful, and keep asking questions. The future of RA treatment is looking brighter.

READ THE RESEARCH

What RA Patients Should Know About Metabolic Syndrome

A 2025 study explores how common metabolic syndrome is among people with rheumatoid arthritis worldwide. By analyzing data from multiple countries, the researchers found that nearly one in three RA patients also has metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess belly fat that increase the risk of heart disease. 

The findings highlight the importance of routine screening and lifestyle management to reduce cardiovascular risks in this vulnerable group.

What’s the study about?

This research looked at how common metabolic syndrome is in people who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

Metabolic is a group of health problems that often happen together — like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. These issues raise the risk of heart disease and can make RA worse.

What did the researchers do?

They reviewed and combined results from many studies around the world to get a clearer picture. This type of research is called a systematic review and meta-analysis — basically, they crunched a lot of data from different places to find patterns.

What did they find?

• About 30 out of every 100 people with RA also have metabolic syndrome.

• Some countries had much higher rates — like Iraq (57%), Croatia (50%), and Singapore (47%).

• Others had lower rates — like Congo (12%), Algeria (14%), and South Korea (17%).

• Across continents:

  • South America had the highest rate (almost 39%)

  • Africa had the lowest (about 26%)

What increases the risk?

People with RA were more likely to have metabolic syndrome if they had:

• A larger waist size

• A higher body mass index (BMI)

• High triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood)

• High blood sugar

• Low HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind)

What does this mean for patients and doctors?

Doctors should regularly check RA patients for signs of metabolic syndrome — especially things like belly fat, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Catching these early can help prevent heart problems and improve overall health.

Here’s what someone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can do to help prevent metabolic syndrome (MetS), based on the latest research:

1. Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet

• Focus on whole foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

• Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and saturated fats.

• Mediterranean-style diets are especially beneficial for both RA and MetS.

2. Stay Physically Active

• Regular low-impact exercise (like walking, swimming, or yoga) helps reduce inflammation and improve metabolism.

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

 3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Excess weight, especially around the waist, increases the risk of MetS.

• Weight management can also reduce joint stress and RA symptoms.

4. Monitor Medications

• Some RA treatments (like corticosteroids) can raise blood sugar and cholesterol.

• Work with your doctor to balance RA control with metabolic health.

5. Manage Stress and Sleep

• Chronic stress and poor sleep can worsen both RA and MetS.

• Try relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or gentle stretching.

6. Consider Coffee (Yes, Really!)

• A recent study suggests moderate coffee consumption may help reduce the risk of MetS in RA patients.

7. Get Regular Screenings

• Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and waist circumference regularly.

• Early detection means early action.

Read the research report: 

Global prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

You my also like to read my personal journey with food and RA. Here I talk about a Blueprint I am following. 

Maybe you are interested in the American College of Rheumatology Guidelines for Rheumatoid Arthritis including exercise and diet. 

How Your Gut Can Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis

 

Graphic of short-chain fatty acids

Did you know your gut might hold the key to feeling better with RA? A new study shows that tiny substances made by good bacteria in your gut—called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)—can help calm inflammation and rebalance your immune system.

What’s Going On in RA?

RA is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints. Two types of immune cells—Th17 and Treg—play a big role. In RA, Th17 cells go into overdrive and cause inflammation, while Treg cells (which help calm things down) don’t work as well.

Enter the Gut Microbiome

Your gut is full of helpful bacteria. When you eat fiber-rich foods (like fruits, veggies, and whole grains), these bacteria produce SCFAs—especially one called butyrate. These SCFAs help:

•  Reprogram immune cells to behave better

•  Change how genes are read (epigenetics)

•  Control the release of inflammation-causing chemicals

What the Study Found

Researchers discovered that SCFAs can:

• Reduce joint inflammation by 70%

• Boost calming Treg cells, increasing their helpful chemical IL-10 by 3 times

• Lower morning stiffness—especially when butyrate levels are higher

How Can You Get More SCFAs?

Here are some promising ways:

• High-fiber diets: Eating more fiber can raise butyrate levels by 240% and lower RA disease activity scores

• Probiotics: Certain strains like Bifidobacterium help reduce harmful immune cells

• Smart delivery systems: New treatments use tiny particles to deliver SCFAs directly to your gut

• Combination therapies: Mixing these approaches works 40% better than using just one

What This Means for You

This research opens the door to personalized RA care based on your gut health. Doctors may soon use your microbiome to guide treatment—like choosing the right diet, probiotics, or even timing your meds based on your body’s rhythm.

If you’re living with RA, talk to your doctor about ways to support your gut—like adding more fiber or trying probiotics. Your gut and your joints might just be better friends than you think!

Read the full study results

Frequently Asked Questions About Joints & Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

 What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

RA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This causes inflammation, pain, swelling, and eventually joint damage.

Common Questions

1. How is RA different from osteoarthritis?

• Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear on cartilage, often age-related.

• RA begins with inflammation of the synovial lining and can affect multiple joints symmetrically (e.g., both hands).

2. Is RA hereditary?

• There’s a genetic component, but RA isn’t directly inherited. Most people with RA don’t have first-degree relatives with the condition.

3. What joints are usually affected?

• RA typically targets smaller joints first—hands, feet, wrists—but can also affect knees, hips, elbows, and shoulders. More about joints and RA here. 

4. What are the early symptoms?

• Morning stiffness lasting over an hour

• Swollen, tender joints

• Fatigue and low-grade fever

• Symmetrical joint pain (both sides of the body)

5. Can RA affect other parts of the body?

Yes. RA can also impact the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and kidneys due to systemic inflammation.

6. Is there a cure?

There’s no cure yet, but early diagnosis and treatment can slow progression and reduce joint damage.

7. Do I need lifelong medication?

In most cases, yes. Disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) and biologics help control symptoms and prevent joint damage.

8. Can I get pregnant if I have RA?

Yes. Many people with RA have healthy pregnancies. However, some medications need to be stopped before conception, and flares may occur postpartum.

9. What triggers flares?

Flares can happen without a clear cause, but stress, infections, and overexertion may contribute. Tracking patterns can help manage them.

10. Is all arthritis rheumatoid arthritis?

No. Other types include:

• Osteoarthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis

• Gout

• Lupus-related arthritis

• Juvenile arthritis

I hope you found some of your questions about RA and the joints answered here. If not just pop your question in the comments section below. 

Ferroptosis in RA: What Patients Should Know

This study looks at a special type of cell damage called ferroptosis, which may play a role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—a condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and damage over time.

What Is Ferroptosis?

Ferroptosis is a kind of cell death that happens when:

• There's too much iron in certain tissues

• And fat molecules in cells get damaged by stress (called lipid peroxidation)

This can lead to inflammation and tissue breakdown—especially in joints.

 What Did Researchers Find?

People with RA often have:

• Low iron levels in the blood, but too much iron in their joints

• This iron buildup can trigger ferroptosis, making joint inflammation worse

Other key findings:

• Ferroptosis affects different immune cells in different ways, which may explain why RA symptoms vary

• A natural antioxidant in the body (called GPX4) doesn’t work properly in RA, making it harder to protect cells

• Some RA medications (like leflunomide and sulfasalazine) might help regulate ferroptosis

 Why Does This Matter?

Ferroptosis may be one of the reasons RA gets worse over time. If doctors can find ways to control this process, it could lead to better treatments that protect joints and reduce inflammation.

Not everyone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will experience ferroptosis in the same way—or even at all. The study suggests that ferroptosis may be one of several processes contributing to joint damage and inflammation in RA, especially in people who have unusual patterns of iron buildup in their joints.

Here’s a gentler way to think about it:

RA is complex, and different people have different immune responses, symptoms, and triggers. Ferroptosis is just one possible piece of the puzzle.

Iron imbalance—low in the blood but high in the joints—seems to make some people more vulnerable to this kind of cell damage. But not every RA patient has this pattern.

Some people may have stronger antioxidant defenses, or respond well to medications that help regulate these processes, so ferroptosis might not play a major role for them.

If you're wondering whether this applies to you or someone you care for, it’s something to explore gently with a rheumatologist—especially if symptoms aren’t improving or feel unusually aggressive.

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Better With Caregiver Support

Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be tough, but having someone close—like a family member or friend—can make a big difference. A recent study, published on August 8, 2025, in Rheumatology International, explored how including caregivers or your closest support person in research can help us learn more about RA and improve patient outcomes. Here’s what it found, explained in simple terms.

What Was the Study About?

The study wanted to understand how caregivers or your nearest support person (like a spouse, sibling, or friend) can help researchers better understand RA. These supporters, called CoNSP (Caregivers or Nearest Support Persons), were included as patient advocates in a research project. The goal was to see what unique insights they could bring to the table.

The research was done between March 2018 and February 2019, involving people with RA and their CoNSP from the United States, Spain, and Italy. In total, 16 interviews were conducted with eight pairs (each pair was a person with RA and their CoNSP).

What Did They Find?

The study created something called The Advocacy Effect Theory. This theory explains how caregivers or support persons help in RA research. It breaks down into three main ideas:

1. Sharing the Same Viewpoint: People with RA and their CoNSP often see things the same way. They agree on the challenges and experiences of living with RA, which helps confirm what’s important.

2. Expanding the Viewpoint: CoNSP add more details to what the person with RA shares. For example, they might notice things about daily struggles or symptoms that the person with RA didn’t mention, giving researchers a fuller picture.

3. Bringing a New Viewpoint: Sometimes, CoNSP share completely new information that the person with RA didn’t think to mention. This could be about how RA affects their life or new challenges they face, which adds valuable insights.

Why Does This Matter?

Including caregivers or support persons in RA research is a game-changer. They bring a fresh perspective and share details that might otherwise be missed. This helps researchers understand RA better and can lead to improved treatments, support, and care for people living with it.

Takeaway

If you have RA, your loved ones or closest supporters can play a big role in helping researchers understand your condition. Their input adds depth and new ideas, making research more complete. So, when it comes to RA, teamwork between you and your support person can make a real difference!

The source for the study is:

Negrón, J. B., Lopez-Olivo, M. A., Carmona, L., Christensen, R., Ingegnoli, F., Zamora, N. V., Gonzalez-Lopez, L., Strand, V., Goel, N., Westrich-Robertson, T., & Suarez-Almazor, M. E. (2025). The advocacy effect: a grounded theory study on the inclusion of caregivers or nearest support persons in research to better understand patient outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology International, 45, article number 188. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-025-05676-4

Juvenile arthritis (JA)

What is Juvenile Arthritis?

Juvenile arthritis (JA) refers to a group of autoimmune or autoinflammatory conditions that cause chronic joint inflammation in children under 16. The most common type is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which affects about 1 in 1,000 children globally. JA can impact joints, connective tissues, and sometimes internal organs, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and potential long-term complications.

Types of Juvenile Arthritis

• Oligoarticular JIA: Affects four or fewer joints, often knees or ankles. Common in young girls and may resolve over time.

• Polyarticular JIA: Involves five or more joints, resembling adult rheumatoid arthritis. Can be RF-positive or RF-negative (rheumatoid factor).

• Systemic JIA: Features fever, rash, and inflammation of organs like the heart or lungs, alongside joint issues.

• Enthesitis-related arthritis: Affects areas where tendons/ligaments attach to bones, often linked to spine or hip issues.

• Psoriatic arthritis: Combines joint inflammation with psoriasis, often affecting fingers or toes.

• Undifferentiated JIA: Symptoms don’t fit neatly into other categories.

Symptoms

• Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity.

• Fatigue, fever, or skin rashes (in systemic JIA).

• Eye inflammation (uveitis), which can lead to vision problems if untreated.

• Growth issues or uneven limb development in severe cases.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is unknown, but JA involves an overactive immune system attacking healthy tissues. Potential triggers include:

• Genetic predisposition (family history of autoimmune diseases).

• Environmental factors like infections, though not directly proven.

• No single gene or virus is consistently linked.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing JA is challenging due to varied symptoms. Doctors use:

• Medical history and physical exams.

• Blood tests for inflammation markers (e.g., ESR, CRP) or autoantibodies (e.g., ANA, RF).

• Imaging (X-rays, MRIs) to assess joint damage.

• Eye exams to detect uveitis.

Treatment

There’s no cure, but treatments aim to reduce symptoms, prevent joint damage, and maintain function:

• Medications: NSAIDs (ibuprofen), DMARDs (methotrexate), biologics (etanercept), or corticosteroids for flares.

• Physical therapy: To improve joint mobility and strength.

• Lifestyle changes: Exercise, balanced diet, and stress management.

• Surgery: Rarely, for severe joint damage.

• Regular monitoring, especially for eye complications, is critical.

Living with Juvenile Arthritis

JA can affect school, sports, and social life. Support includes:

• Individualized education plans (IEPs) for school accommodations.

• Psychological support to cope with chronic illness.

• Family and community resources, like arthritis foundations, for education and advocacy.

Outlook

Many children with JA lead active lives with proper treatment. Remission is possible, but some may experience flares into adulthood. Early diagnosis and tailored care improve outcomes significantly.

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2022 American College of Rheumatology Guidelines for Rheumatoid Arthritis

 2022 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Guideline for Exercise, Rehabilitation, Diet, and Additional Integrative Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The guideline addresses the use of exercise, rehabilitation, diet, and additional integrative interventions in conjunction with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) as part of an integrative management approach for people with rheumatoid arthritis. It is not about the pharmacologic management of rheumatoid arthritis. It is about integrative interventions for the management of RA to accompany DMARD treatments.

EXERCISE.

Consistent engagement in exercise was strongly recommended. Aerobic, Aquatic, Resistance and Mind-Body exercise were the types of exercise recommended.

REHABILITATION RECOMMENDATIONS:

Occupational therapy; physical therapy; splinting, orthoses, compression, bracing, and/or taping; Joint protection techniques; activity pacing, activity modification, energy conservation, and/or fatigue management; Assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and/or environmental adaptations; Vocational rehabilitation, work site evaluations and/or modifications.

DIET.

Mediterranean-style diet was recommended.

ADDITIONAL INTERVENTIONS:

Standardized self management program; Cognitive behavioral therapy and/or mind body approaches; Acupuncture; Massage therapy; Thermal modalities.

You can view the Guideline Summary in pdf here 

FURTHER READING AND PERSONAL STORIES

If you are looking for further reading on these topics you may be interested in the following personal stories about some of these suggested interventions:

Aquatic Exercise: Starting hydrotherapy

Talk Over RA – Julia McNally and Yoga For RA

How 3 Women Stay Active with Rheumatoid Arthritis – Women’s Health

Activity pacing: Learning to Pace Myself

What do you actually eat on the Mediterranean diet? Mediterranean diet breakfasts. List of breakfast suggestions and a recipe.

Mediterranean diet simplified includes What a Day on the Mediterranean Diet might look like for both summer and winter.

Wellness for a Life with Rheumatic Disease

3 Millennials On Growing Up With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis: 3 Millennials On Growing Up With Chronic Pain

"Be mindful of judging people when you can’t see anything going on."

By Natasha Hinde HUFFPOST

During his worst flare-ups, Daniel Morley lies in bed wondering if he should just go thirsty. He desperately wants a glass of water, but his body is in so much pain, he can’t bear to move the five metres to the sink. His joints are on fire.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which Morley was diagnosed with at the age of 19, is a long-term condition that causes swelling and stiffness in the joints – usually the hands, feet and wrists. The immune system mistakenly attacks cells lining the joints, causing intense pain that makes it hard for some sufferers to leave the house.

He first noticed something was wrong as a teenager when his knees swelled up and his ankles started causing him pain. During this time he took almost nine months off work. Morley was eventually referred to a specialist consultant, who drained fluid from his joints and gave him steroid injections.

Debbie Griffin, 32, from north Wales, was diagnosed at just two years old. She recalls realising something wasn’t quite right when she was five. “I was making friends in school and noticed I couldn’t do the things everyone else could do, like sports day,” she says.

Griffin experienced problems with her hips and knees during her early teens, to the point where she struggled to move even a few feet without being in pain. At 13 she had to have a knee replacement, followed by a hip replacement at 17.

“It impacts my life daily,” says the 32-year-old. Some days, she will wake up without any issues; other days she will be in so much pain she can’t leave the house. “Making sure I’m fit for work every day is a struggle,” says the service manager, who works for a national charity.

Louisa Flannery, from Leeds, was diagnosed with RA in the run-up to her GCSEs. Initially, she experienced a pain in her feet, and was told to wear insoles, but when it began to continue up her body to her knees, she was referred to a specialist. She was diagnosed at 15, after a year and a half.

As a teenager, Flannery found it hard being heard by the adults around her. She recalls having to miss PE lessons because of the pain. “I didn’t know what was wrong with me, so it was difficult to communicate with the teachers – I think they thought I was just using it as an excuse,” she says. “The invisible part of it is quite difficult. People forget because they can’t see anything’s wrong with you.”

Now studying for a Masters degree, Flannery, 25, struggles with constant pain in her ankles and shoulders, as well as her back and knees from time to time. “My hands are swollen and a bit disfigured,” she says, noting that it’s quite hard to write. ”I usually do computer work which is fine.”

READ FULL ARTICLE AT HUFFPOST

Research results will give rise to new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis.

Find out about this study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden published in the scientific journal PNAS reports and how it affects RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

Endogenous proteins that play a vital part in allergies and parasitic infection can prevent the immune system from wrongly attacking the body and causing inflamed joints, a new study reports. 

The researchers hope that the results will give rise to new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis.


SUMMARY:

• Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that certain proteins can play an important part in preventing autoimmune attacks. 
• These proteins are called IL-4 and IL-13 
• The proteins, are secreted by immune cells in the presence of allergens or parasitic infections.
• They influence the behaviour of a specific immune cell called a neutrophil. 
• Neutrophils are the most abundant immune cells found in the actively inflamed joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 
• Proteins, IL-4 and IL-13, prevent neutrophils from migrating into the inflamed joint. 
• Researchers used the CRISPR method to modify immune-cell genes to understand how they affect cell behaviour.

"I have high hopes that the experimental use of CRISPR will be hugely important to our understanding of how immune-cell behaviour is regulated, and that this can guide us in the development of new efficacious drugs."  says Dr Wermeling assistant professor at the Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet (Solna).

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

SEE THE STUDY REPORT

You may also like to view:

What Are the Types of Arthritis?

What is polyarthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis natural treatment. 

Turmeric For Rheumatoid Arthritis: Does It Work?

Some research suggests that turmeric may help alleviate the inflammatory symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The spice affords several benefits such as anti-inflammatory functions provided by its main component curcumin.

What Is Turmeric?

It is a spice that contains anti-inflammatory properties. Otherwise known as Curcuma longa, the bright yellow or orange spice is also the main component in traditional medicine such as Ayurveda. The latter treats skin diseases, stomach problems, blood disorders, cough, mild infections and liver conditions.

According to a review article published in the US National Library of Medicine, turmeric is rich in curcumin that has an antioxidant effect, lowers blood sugar, is anti-inflammatory and affords anticancer benefits. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, patients experience inflammation that leads to bone and joint damage. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric could alleviate its symptoms.

Curcumin

In a 2016 systematic review, researchers measured the effectiveness of turmeric and curcumin extracts on arthritis patients. Those who took 1,000 milligrams of curcumin daily for eight to 12 weeks reduced their pain sensations and inflammation which are common symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Researchers found that curcumin extracts are effective in treating these symptoms by recommending patients to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and diclofenac. They, however, noted that there is a need for further research to confirm their findings. Nevertheless, they recommended that arthritis patients may use curcumin as a dietary supplement while undergoing conventional therapy.

A subsequent study looked into the effects of curcumin on rats with rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers determined that the component reduced inflammation and redness among the lab rats by blocking an intercellular signaling process called mTOR pathway.

Read full article by Leian Naduma at Medical Daily

The Rheumatoid Factor Test

The rheumatoid factor blood test (RF) helps diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It measures rheumatoid factor, a chemical in the blood of many, but not all, people with RA. By itself, it does NOT show whether you have rheumatoid arthritis or not.
The Rheumatoid Factor Test gives your doctor more information to consider when diagnosing your condition, it does not necessarily mean you have RA. It is used along with your physical exam, other tests, and your symptoms to help diagnose your condition.  

People with other autoimmune conditions, such as lupus and Sjogren's syndrome, can also have a positive Rheumatoid Factor. So can people with infections such as hepatitis and mononucleosis. 

False positives occur in 5% of healthy individuals and in up to 20% of people over 65 years of age. False positives also occur in inflammatory condition such as Sjögren's Syndrome, Lupus and Systemic Sclerosis.

Some healthy people can have rheumatoid factor in their blood too. Also some people with RA don’t have a positive RA result. That’s why this test will not,

The higher the level in rheumatoid disease the worse the joint destruction and the greater the chance of systemic involvement.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result means the test is positive, which means higher levels of rheumatoid factor have been detected in your blood. The higher the level, the more likely one of these conditions is present. There are also other tests for these disorders that help make the diagnosis.
People with the following diseases may also have high levels of rheumatoid factor:

• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
• Sjögren's Syndrome 
• Scleroderma
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Adult Still's disease
• Dermatomyositis
• Sarcoidosis
• Felty's syndrome
• Systemic sclerosis 
• Infective endocarditis.
• Infectious mononucleosis.
• Hepatitis.
• Tuberculosis.
• Syphilis.
• HIV.
• Influenza.
• Malignancy.
• Leukaemia.

Other blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis:

• erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• anti-CCP (anit-cyclic citrullinated peptide) 

SOURCES:

1. Wilson D; Rheumatoid factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Can Family Physician. 
2. Longmore M, Wilkinson IB & Rajagopalan SR; Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine, 2004
3. MedlinePlus 
4. WebMD

Rheumatoid Arthritis diagram of joints

Bone and Joint Health National Awareness Week

A U.S. Bone and Joint Decade Initiative that focusses on arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis and trauma. Find out more what is happening this year.
Did you know that there are more than 100 types of arthritis? Common arthritis symptoms of inflammation, pain, and stiffness are usually caused by degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis and gout. No matter which type of arthritis you have, you need an accurate diagnosis before your doctor can recommend a program for treatment. WebMD Arthritis and Joint Center

Here are some bone and joint awareness articles:

 Types of Arthritis

 Coping With Arthritis Pain, Day by Day

 Personal Stories of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis resource sites available

Other causes of joint pain

Information on carpal tunnel syndrome

Caregiving After Joint Replacement Surgery

Heritable Disorders of ConnectiveTissue

Rare Bone Disease Patient Network

PB&J - Protect Your Bones and Joints-

Is Hip Replacement Surgery Right for Me?

Joint Pain Health Condition Information

Managing Chronic Pain

Staying Active After Joint Replacement Surgery

Take Care of Your Bones

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