Scientists Discovered a Potential Solution to Hard-To-Treat Form of Rheumatoid Arthritis

(Newswire.net — May 1, 2017) Orlando, FL — Arthritic conditions, while prevalent, affect millions of people in the United States alone. While there are medications and surgeries available, it is a known fact that there still is no cure for it.

Scientists discovered a potential solution to a hard-to-treat form of rheumatoid arthritis. Today, many sufferers are turning to the use of pain medications to achieve relief. However, these pharmaceutical drugs are unsafe to use, especially on a long-term basis.

According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, there is an immune system protein called interleukin-27 that regulates inflammatory process involved in lymphoid-rich rheumatoid arthritis. This condition produces symptoms, such as swollen and painful joints.

In the United Kingdom, there are about 700,000 adults who suffer from this long-term and disabling disease. There are an estimated number of two in every five sufferers who are no longer responsive to existing treatment, which makes it extremely challenging to treat. 

The team of immunologists from Cardiff University that conducted the study made a first mark in explaining how such a variant of this disease develops. They utilized experimental models of arthritis with mice and cells. 

Through a novel ultrasound technique, the research team also took tissue biopsies from individuals with early signs of the disease. 

According to the scientists, by understanding this process, healthcare providers or doctors will be able to divide patients into varying sub-groups. The classification can then be based on the level of interleukin-27 present in the joints of sufferers. 

The course of therapy would depend on the disease sub-group a sufferer falls into. This means that a tailored approach in the treatment of the condition could provide sufferers with a better opportunity of overcoming it.

The researchers also expected that identifying the interleukin-27 involved in this disease will significantly encourage the search for new drugs. 

According to Dr. Gareth Jones, from Cardiff University School of Medicine’s Institute of Infection & Immunity, the best chance of clinical remission could be achieved through early intervention in all forms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The key is to identify the drug best suitable for the unique needs or condition of every sufferer. When correct treatment decisions are made during the early stage of the disease process, they could help improve the well-being and overall quality of life of sufferers.

Studies are still underway to discover more potentially effective treatments for the condition. Today, sufferers turn to pharmaceutical drugs to achieve pain relief. There are also those who turn to safer alternatives, such as glucosamine that is not linked with side effects. (http://amazon.com/Glucosamine-Sulfate-Chondroitin-Supplement-Turmeric/dp/B00DUMO9X4)