A new treatment target for RA?

(MedicineNet) UPDATED 2009-06-30

Researchers in London are reporting that they've found a possible new treatment target for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Scientists say most people do not have an immune system compound called tenascin-C in their joints. But this substance is present in higher levels in the joints of people with RA, because tenascin-C is necessary to sustain joint inflammation and produce certain chemicals needed for the condition to develop. In a new study of mice, the scientists found that animals who had a RA-like disease but that were genetically programmed not to produce tenascin-C had less inflammation and maintained healthy joints compared to mice that produced normal amounts of the substance. The researchers hope their finding may one day lead to new treatments for RA. Read full story >

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