Rheumatoid arthritis: Risk Factors and Potential Treatments

José Eduardo Ramos Miranda

BIOL 3095

University of Puerto Rico at Cayey

Rheumatoid Arthirits (RA) is a complex disease that affects approximately 0.5% of the adult population worldwide, and occurs in 20-50 cases per 100,000 annually, mainly in women after their 40s (Carmona et al. 2010).

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Affects different articulations in the body.

It is an auto-immune disease.

There is no clear cause for this disease.

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Genetic and Environmental triggers are implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease.

RA consists of at least 2 different subsets characterized by the presence or absence of antibodies to citrullinated protein antigen (ACPA) (Svendsen et al. 2013).

Provided by (Carmona et al. 2010)

Genes with the major histo-compatability complex appear to have the strongest influence on disease susceptibility.

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General lifestyle factors like: smoking, because it shows a clear interaction with genetic susceptibility genes.

Pregnant women whose pregnancies were complicated by hyperemesis, gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. Have an increased risk of RA.

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The main goals are:

take away pain

reduce swelling

slow down or stop joint damage

make people feel better and stay active.

Methrotrexate (MTX) is considered the anchor drug for the treatment of RA; it is administered in up to 70% of patients with this disease (Cipriani et al. 2014).

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By (Gaujoux et al. 2014).

Regular exercise

Rest and Relaxation

Tai Chi (slow, gentle movements and deep breathing)

The use of heat and cold

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The severity of RA has declined over the past few decades.

By knowing possible risk factors, we can make more effective treatments to slower down this process.

Research is being done now on: immune systems, genes and drug combinations.

Cipriani P, Ruscitti P, Carrubi F , Liakouli V, Giacomelli R. 2014. Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Optimizing Therapy Among Different Formulations. Current and Emerging Paradigms. Clinical Therapeutics [Internet]; [cited 2014 Sep 25]. 36(3):427-435.doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.01.014

Gaujoux-Vialaa C, Gossecb L, Cantagrelc A, Dougadosd M, FautrelbB, Mariettee X, Nataff H, Sarauxg A, Tropei S, Combej B. 2014. Recommendations of the French Society for Rheumatology for managing rheumatoid arthritis. Joint Bone Spine [Internet]; [cited 2014 Oct 3]. 81(4)287-297.doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2014.05.002

Svendsen A, Kyvik K, Houen G, Junker P, Christensen K, Christiansen L, Nielsen C, Skytthe A, Hjelmborg J. 2013. On the Origin of Rheumatoid Arthitis: The Impact of Environment and Genes-A Population Based Twin Study. PLoS One [Internet]; [cited 2014 Oct 31]. 8(2). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057304

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