Comments on: Scientific Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/2009/11/scientific-rheumatoid-arthritis-blog/ Thu, 03 Sep 2015 17:55:04 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.3 By: andrew http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/2009/11/scientific-rheumatoid-arthritis-blog/#comment-1863 Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:16:29 +0000 http://www.rheumatoidarthritisguy.com/?p=8419#comment-1863 Here’s how I understand the 1st posted article. A certain set of cytokines (chemical messengers) are linked to lymph structures. People with these structures respond better to anti-TNF drugs. I would guess that they are looking for a genetic marker in RA patients so they can tell who will best benefit from the drugs.

The second article, also focused on the same set of cytokines, shows a link between these chemicals and nerves. This may explain the symmetical expression of RA. They seem to be looking for early warning signs for early treatment and I’d guess that sign would be a genetic marker for these cytokines.

It would be nice to have a clear genetic marker for RA because currently, the blood tests being used are just not that accurate.

]]>