What’s New in Inflammatory Arthritis?

In her lab, mouse models were given serum to induce arthritis. At the peak of inflammation, a high RANKL/OPG (osteoprotegerin) ratio was seen, which drove osteoclastogenesis. But this faded as inflammation waned.

Using fluorochromes, researchers were able to track the growth of new bone at erosion sites. At times of peak inflammation, there was no bone repair. But later, as inflammation dissipated, healing was seen. “Erosion repair can occur, but it occurs only when inflammation is almost completely resolved,” Dr. Gravallese said.

“What does this tell us about RA?” she said. “One of the things it might be telling us is that the reason that we don’t see healing more often is that there’s actual residual inflammation in the joint.”

An ongoing question, to be explored further, she said, is how important this residual inflammation is, including the significance in terms of the likelihood of later cardiovascular events.

Thomas R. Collins is a freelance medical writer based in Florida.

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