Latest Advances In The
Fight Against Arthritis
by Joseph Vishnev
One of the most life changing, debilitating and
even embarrassing diseases is arthritis. It comes
in 100's of variations and has effects which can
range from "hardly noticeable" to "totally
gross". Sure, there are techniques, medicines
and various tips to fight this disease, but there
is no known all inclusive cure. Almost 20% of our
population, or roughly over 40 million American
citizens report that they have been diagnosed with
an arthritic condition. This number is projected
to increase nearly 25% by the year 2030 and beyond.
It affects more than 22% of all adults 65 years
of age or older. Despite all of this doom and gloom,
we are progressing, slowly but surely towards this
elusive goal of a complete cure. Here is the rundown
of some of the more exciting, albeit sometimes exotic
advances in this fight.
A drug called Ritual, put out by Biogenic Idec,
has shown promise in a late-stage human clinical
trial to treat rheumatoid arthritis. According to
Biogenic, the drug performance showed significant
response in combination with existing treatments
with methotrexate. Tests were performed in patients
with moderate to server rheumatoid arthritis who
hadn't responded to methotrexate on their own. So
far, the news is positive for Biogen. It gained
FDA approval in February 2006 to use the drug in
combination with methotrexate in patients with moderate
to severe rheumatoid arthritis who didn't achieve
benefits from previous therapies. The company is
now trying to broaden the market reach for Rituxan.
Molecular biology advances have led to the generation
of a new class of medications called biological
response modifiers, which are capable of targeting
inflammatory cells and mediators of inflammation.
These new agents can limit the symptoms and halt
the progression of inflammatory arthritis to a level
that has been previously possible. Although sometimes
risky for complications, the treatments may be worthwhile
for some.
In early January, scientists at the University
of Leeds in England have identified how atoms move
across cell membranes in the human body. This research
holds huge promise for new treatments for inflammatory
diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis with the discovery
of a previously unidentified natural mechanism that
opens ion channels, proteins at the cell surface
that act as doorways into and out of cells, through
the naturally occurring protein thioredoxin. These
channels regulate the flow of ions, electrically
charged atoms, across the cell membrane to conduct
various functions such as timing of the heartbeat,
pain transmission and regulation of blood glucose.
The research revealed that thioredoxin's - one of
the main causes or effects of arthritis, working
is different, it activates an ion channel by donating
electrons to it, almost like a switch. Realizing
this, new drugs are being studied for mimicking
these ion channels effects in form of a therapy.
Its almost like the body's own natural defenses
are providing new understanding for future treatments
for arthritis.
Certainly there is a lot more to be done and researched,
but these latest advances are showing significant
promise towards successful treatment of this deadly
condition. Science along with a renewed perception
of the general population towards health preservation
via exercise, diet, stress management and attitude
are all slowly contributing towards a more effective,
albeit not all inclusive, cure.
Joseph Vishnev loves things that actually work
and make an instant, positive difference in people’s
lives. He has researched and dedicated a site to
provide information and news about arthritis how
to beat it and effective ways to slow down its path.
See: http://www.JointsPain.com
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