Researchers Now Reveal How Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Cause Bone Loss

(Newswire.net — November 28, 2022) Orlando, FL — Rheumatoid arthritis is second to osteoarthritis as the most prevalent type of arthritis in the U.S. It is worth noting that this condition is also linked with certain undesirable health outcomes, especially for the bones.

A study has demonstrated how rheumatoid arthritis destroys the bones. 

The findings of this interesting research were published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

These results may pave the way for the development of new drugs in reversing RA-related bone loss. It may also be useful in addressing more common forms of osteoporosis with certain minor adjustments.

In the United States, there are roughly two million people with rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is known to produce pain, swelling, and deformity in the joints. Further, it also leads to the thinning of bones. 

In autoimmune conditions like RA, the disease-fighting immune cells of the body mistakenly identify parts of a person’s body as foreign invaders, akin to bacteria. This then leads to the production of chemicals that destroy them. 

The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is one of the immune chemicals known to play a central role in autoimmune disease. It ramps up the production of immune cells and chemicals as part of the response of the body to disease.

Experts warn that when overproduced in RA patients, the TNF alpha releases the signals for the destruction of bone and cartilage. 

The study shows proof that the TNF alpha impacts osteoblasts via an enzyme called Smad Ubiquitin Regulatory Factor 1 (Smurf1), which in turn shuts down two proteins that would otherwise drive the building of the bones.

“The significance of our study is that it identifies SMURF1 as the signaling partner through which TNF does damage in RA-related bone loss,” said Lianping Xing, Ph.D., 

Xing is an assistant professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center. 

“Our overall hypothesis is that in inflammatory diseases like RA, the function of a group of enzymes like Smurf1 gets turned on to cause proteasome degradation of key regulator proteins leading to bone loss.” 

There have been many studies highlighting the impacts of rheumatoid arthritis on other aspects of health. It is important to take measures helpful in managing this condition through making dietary and lifestyle improvements.

Aside from using pain relievers, there are also all-natural remedies like VitaBreeze Glucosamine that may be helpful. This therapeutic remedy has other arthritis-fighting ingredients like turmeric, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and chondroitin.

It could be helpful to individuals with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. (www.amazon.com/Glucosamine-Chondroitin-Turmeric-Dietary-Supplement/dp/B00DUMO9X4)