Research into the causes of arthritis has been carried out for decades. Some scientists believe that the inflammation, pain, stiffness and immobility of arthritis is not solely caused by old age and the natural ware and tare of the body, but, in actual fact a biological defect that is the most significant cause. Of course our bodies begin to slow down as we get older but such rapid deterioration causing all the suffering seems a little too much.
The question on many doctors and researchers mind has been, if genetics is one of the major factors then which specific gene amongst the millions that exist within our DNA is it that is the culprit. Science has only began to touch on the knowledge that our DNA carries. Due to the complexity of our DNA is has been very difficult to pin point any specific genes.
However a recent study carried out by an international team of scientists which including researchers from the Welcome Trust Centre at the University of Oxford set out to determine whether there was any real genetic difference between arthritis sufferers and non arthritis suffers.
The study consisted of comparing the genetic makeup [DNA] of 1000 arthritis sufferers to the genetic makeup of 1500 healthy individuals.
The results were published in the Journal Nature Genetics. The finding are very promising. The researchers identified the presence of a variation of 2 specific genes that seems to significantly increase the risk of severe and chronic forms of arthritis. Although they cannot guarantee that these genes cause the arthritis, if not anything else they seem to be a catalyst towards all the pain and suffering that arthritis causes. Both genes influence our immune system functioning within the body.. Being able to identify these genes puts us at a great advantage. It could possibly lead to earlier diagnosis of the condition and allow for much more effective treatments.
One of the researchers, Paul Wordsworth, a consultant Rheumatologist from the University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Medicine said "The identification of these genes points the way very clearly to new methods of suppressing inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis. That causes inflammation in the joints between vertebrae and can lead to bone erosion and the fusion of bones in the spine. This condition effects of in 200 men and 1 in 500 women occurring the age of 15 – 35 "It is a very exciting discovery. There are existing experimental treatments for other inflammatory conditions that could be used to improve the treatment of the condition." It is expected that this discovery could lead to better treatment of tens of thousands of people in the United Kingdom alone.
The question on many doctors and researchers mind has been, if genetics is one of the major factors then which specific gene amongst the millions that exist within our DNA is it that is the culprit. Science has only began to touch on the knowledge that our DNA carries. Due to the complexity of our DNA is has been very difficult to pin point any specific genes.
However a recent study carried out by an international team of scientists which including researchers from the Welcome Trust Centre at the University of Oxford set out to determine whether there was any real genetic difference between arthritis sufferers and non arthritis suffers.
The study consisted of comparing the genetic makeup [DNA] of 1000 arthritis sufferers to the genetic makeup of 1500 healthy individuals.
The results were published in the Journal Nature Genetics. The finding are very promising. The researchers identified the presence of a variation of 2 specific genes that seems to significantly increase the risk of severe and chronic forms of arthritis. Although they cannot guarantee that these genes cause the arthritis, if not anything else they seem to be a catalyst towards all the pain and suffering that arthritis causes. Both genes influence our immune system functioning within the body.. Being able to identify these genes puts us at a great advantage. It could possibly lead to earlier diagnosis of the condition and allow for much more effective treatments.
One of the researchers, Paul Wordsworth, a consultant Rheumatologist from the University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Medicine said "The identification of these genes points the way very clearly to new methods of suppressing inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis. That causes inflammation in the joints between vertebrae and can lead to bone erosion and the fusion of bones in the spine. This condition effects of in 200 men and 1 in 500 women occurring the age of 15 – 35 "It is a very exciting discovery. There are existing experimental treatments for other inflammatory conditions that could be used to improve the treatment of the condition." It is expected that this discovery could lead to better treatment of tens of thousands of people in the United Kingdom alone.
The above study and research of genetics playing a crucial role in arthritis and other related conditions is supported by research, published in the International research journal Arthritis and Rheumatism funded by Health research council of New Zealand and Arthritis New Zealand and conducted by the University of Otago.
There research suggested that the gene PTPN22 is one of the major contributors of rheumatoid arthritis. By identifying this gene research pharmacists can now study this particular gene in greater detail and identify where the defect lies and develop a treatment to help rectify this. The research suggests the PTPN22 gene limits the activity of our natural body’s immune system. In particular T lymphocytes, which are the equivalent of Soldier cells whose role it is to attack and destroy foreign invading cells. However with rheumatoid arthritis patients, our soldier cells [T lymphocytes] loose control and start attacking the body’s own cells in particular the joint areas, which inevitably leads to all the pain, inflammation, stiffness and immobility arthritis suffers are all too familiar with.
Dr Merriman [one of the researchers behind the findings] says “So it would seem that the message to control the T lymphocytes and stop attacking the joints becomes faulty,”
So it seems that genetics could be a significant factor in the development of arthritis. The identification of defective genes is only the first step. Unfortunately no drugs have yet been developed to effectively cure arthritis as of yet. If and when they are developed a new question will arise, whether the treatments will be available on any health service. It may be that the drugs are too expensive for doctors to prescribe to all patients and may therefore restrict its use to only those suffering severe chronic symptoms. You only have to look at cases of people suffering AIDS to know what I mean. In any case until then we as responsible adults have a responsibility to treat our bodies with the love and respect it deserves for serving us well for all these years by eating well and regularly exercising to give it the best chance of survival for future.
Ill keep an eye any new developments so come back soon. It looks like there may be silver lining behind this dark cloud after all.
Don’t forget to visit my website, its packed full of useful information
www.cureyourarthritisremedy.com
Michelle Armstrong
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