Early Arthritis Risk Detection May Be Possible Through New Blood Test

(Newswire.net — February 13, 2017) Orlando, FL — Arthritis can negatively change one’s life. It causes pain and immobility, and even increases the risk of certain medical conditions. Early diagnosis or detection is essential so that sufferers are given the treatment they need.

Early arthritis risk detection may be possible through a new blood test. According to researchers, there is a certain marker that may indicate the likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis 16 years prior to its development.

The research team from the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology at Oxford University reveals that the blood test looks into antibodies, which recognize the protein Tenascin-C, and may be useful in determining who will contract the condition.

There are antibodies that target Circulating Tenascin-C (cTNC), which may help to diagnose RA in around 50% of cases. This may include certain cases that are not identified by the best tests currently conducted.

A process called citrullination takes care of altering some proteins when inflammation in the body takes place. This alteration triggers an immune response from the body, which may cause rheumatoid arthritis.

For this reason, there are tests that identify antibodies to citrullinated proteins to diagnose RA. There is relatively low diagnostic sensitivity on tests conducted for individual proteins. However, the CCP, which is a general test that detects synthetic citrullinated peptides, identifies quite a number of RA cases.

According to lead researcher, Dr Anja Schwenzer, they knew that Tenascin-C is present in abundant levels in the joints of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. They tried to check if it could be citrullinated. If it could be citrullinated, they also want to learn whether the antibodies target it in attacking the body in rheumatoid arthritis cases.

The researchers found that testing for antibodies, which target citrullinated Tenascin-C (cTNC), may lead to RA diagnosis in 50% of cases. This includes causes that were not identified by CCP.

Early arthritis detection is essential since it may help sufferers get the right treatment at the appropriate time. Experts suggest that people should be mindful about the signs and symptoms that they may already be suffering from due to the condition.

There are supplements believed to be helpful in reducing the risk of arthritis conditions. For instance, a supplement called glucosamine is thought to help repair damaged cartilage and fight wear and tear.

Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring substance in the body. It is believed to be helpful not just for individuals with arthritis but also athletes. There are even those who use this natural alternative to potentially reduce their risk of arthritis.

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