Rheumatoid
arthritis is a chronic disorder that primarily affects our flexible
joints. It causes inflammation in the joints, resulting in swelling, stiffness,
pain and reduced joint function. Women
are 3 times more likely to develop this disorder than men are.
A recent
study (reported Nov 26 2012) conducted by researchers from the University of
Manchester has identified 14 genes in both genders that are associated with the
disorder. These 14 join another 32 genes that have already been identified in a
previous study. Out of those 14, some of them were X-chromosome genes. This
newly- established association between the X chromosome and the disorder could
possibly help explain the significantly higher incidence of it in women, who
have 2 X chromosomes, than in men, who have only 1.
Presently,
about 1/3 of arthritis patients do not respond well to the medicine available
on the market. The results of this study
will greatly improve clinical treatment of arthritis. Out of the 14 genes newly
identified, 3 are currently "targets for drugs" - as in that we
presently have drugs that are able to target those specific genes. The
remaining 43 genes can & should be studied in terms of pharmacology to
further develop our clinical treatment ability.
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