Inflammatory cytokines are implicated in the painful symptoms of sciatica, a common form of lumbar radiculopathy associated with intense pain and dysfunction. Case reports have suggested that TNF inhibitors may improve pain in individuals with sciatica. However, since sciatica is often self-limited, uncontrolled reports of efficacy may be misleading. Here, Genevay et al (Arthritis Rheum […]
Antioxidants may protect tissues against damage, reduce systemic inflammation, and modulate antigen presentation by inflammatory cells. However, no large-scale investigation on whether dietary and/or supplement intake of antioxidants is protective against the development of autoimmune rheumatic disease. Here, Costenbader et al (American Journal of Epidemiology 2010; 172(2): 205) explore antioxidant intake and the risk of […]
The epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is influenced by a number of factors, including survival, changes in diagnostic tools, and temporal trends in environmental factors that may promote or protect from disease. Here, Myasoedova et al (Arthritis Rheum 2010; 62(6): 1576) explore the trends in RA incidence and prevalence over 50 years in a population-based […]
On June 2, 2010, the Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended approval of denosumab, which will be marketed under the trade-name Prolia, for the treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis. The drug was also recommended for the treatment of bone loss in men receiving hormone suppressive therapy for prostate […]
Knee alignment may be different during walking than when at rest. Prior studies have identified varus thrust, a worsening of bow-leg alignment that occurs only during the weight bearing phase of walking, as a risk factor for developing knee osteoarthritis (OA). Valgus thrust, or knock-knee alignment during walking, may also increase the risk of knee […]
