People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most pain forms of arthritis that causes inflammation of the joints, now find a ray of hope to get rid of it forever. A breakthrough study reveals an active compound that successfully treated and cured arthritis in mice for the first time.
The study researchers developed this new biotechnologically active compound that includes the body’s own immunological molecule called interleukin 4 and an antibody specific to it. After successful results in mice, scientists now intend to test the efficacy of this compound in humans.
Since treatment of arthritis involved medication to slow down or stop the progression of the disease, this drug could possibly take rheumatoid arthritis treatment to another new level if found to be equally effective in humans.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disorder that primarily targets the joints but can affect other body parts as well. It causes pain and limits the function of your joints. There is joint swelling, redness, and stiffness. It affects various organs of the body. There may be associated fever, lymph nodes swelling, weight loss, tiredness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. The causes for the disease are still not completely known.
RA is diagnosed based on the symptoms, the inflamed joints affected and through blood and X-ray findings, MRI scan, CT scan, synovial fluid analysis and/or a urine test. There are no known cures. Oral medications are used to alleviate the symptoms and slow down the spread of the disease. Painkillers and steroids are used to treat the symptoms of arthritis. DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) help suppress the underlying inflammatory disease. The newest and most advanced treatment option so far is the use of biologic drugs that target inflammatory proteins.
Reversing rheumatoid arthritis could be possible with proper nutrition, yoga and pranayama. The symptoms of RA can be reduced by strengthening the immune system with the help of nutrition. While, yoga can keep the joints supple and flexible, pranayama helps in the efficient release of toxins from the body, thereby reducing pain.
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