Research breakthrough to help rheumatoid arthritis patients?

A molecular research breakthrough looks set to bring hope to people using home care due to rheumatoid arthritis.

Scientists discovered that the immune cells of rheumatoid arthritis patients were missing the P21 protein - also known as the 'bouncer'.

As this protein functions to keep immune cells in line, its loss in rheumatoid arthritis leaves the cells to cause damage to joints and bones, note the authors of the research, published in journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.

"The bouncer molecule stopped the immune cells from going crazy," said lead author Harris Perlman.

"Imagine destructive customers in a bar, and the bouncer says, 'You are going to behave!' That's P21. This discovery opens up a new avenue for future therapies, which are greatly needed for rheumatoid arthritis."

In other news, another study reported in the journal revealed chondroitin sulphate to drastically reduce pain and improve the hand function of osteoarthritis patients.

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