Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells mediate extracellular matrix remodeling in osteoarthritis through the transport of microRNA-29a

BACKGROUNDKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common orthopedic condition with an uncertain etiology, possibly involving genetics and biomechanics. Factors like changes in chondrocyte microenvironment, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune

Do Former Football Players Age Faster?

New research suggests that former professional football players may face accelerated aging, despite past research showing they have life spans similar or longer than the general population

In the new study, retired football players reported shorter health spans — defined as years free of disease – than men in the general population

Two age-related diseases — arthritis and dementia — were found more commonly among former football players, compared with men of the same age in the general population

Additionally, hypertension and diabetes were more common among younger former players, those ages 25 to 29, compared with same-age men from the general population.

The results warrant further study to define the biochemical, cellular, and physiologic mechanisms behind premature aging in former football players

Poll: Aching joints make older adults reach for many forms of pain relief – but health risks could follow

Popping a pill may bring short-term relief for arthritis-related joint pain, but many older adults may not realize that what they swallow could raise their risk of other health problems, or that other non-drug options could help them, a new poll suggests.

Researchers Identify Potential Target for Treating Autoimmune Diseases

New research using a mouse model for multiple sclerosis has uncovered a potential new area to explore for possible treatments for autoimmune disorders.

Study: Obesity raises the risk of gum disease by inflating growth of bone-destroying cells

Chronic inflammation caused by obesity may trigger the development of cells that break down bone tissue, including the bone that holds teeth in place, according to new University at Buffalo research that sought to improve understanding of the connection between obesity and gum disease.

Study Finds Racial Gaps in Renal Complications Persist for Children with Lupus

New research presented this week at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting, found that while hospitalized children with juvenile lupus have fewer adverse kidney outcomes overall, significant racial gaps for developing these complications persist and do not seem to be narrowing (Abstract #0956).

The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance Expands the Number of “Arthritis-Appropriate Evidence-Based Interventions” (AAEBIs) recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 7 to 18

The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance (OAAA) recently evaluated numerous evidence-based (medically proven) interventions to identify which met established criteria for being known as “Arthritis-Appropriate Evidence-Based Interventions” (AAEBIs). Programs that meet these criteria must be shown to improve arthritis symptoms, such as pain or limitations in function, and demonstrate that they have a sufficient level of support for program oversight and organized, wide-scale community delivery.

Discovery of a potential new therapy for inflammatory arthritis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a painful and inflammatory form of axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) which affects 1-2% of Canadians and causes inflammation in the spine, joints, eyes, gut and skin. In a new paper recently published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, researchers at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute at UHN have made a discovery that could lead to new treatments for SpA.

Considering More Than One Joint Replacement to Relieve Arthritis Pain?

When Lorry Graham needed multiple joint replacement surgeries for severe arthritis pain, she turned to Dr. Geoffrey Westrich at Hospital for Special Surgery. Mrs. Graham, who jokingly refers to herself as a “bionic woman,” and Dr. Westrich explain what to expect and give advice for the best outcome.

Repurposed Arthritis Drug Did Not Significantly Improve Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia

A repurposed drug used to treat arthritis did not significantly improve the outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Tocilizumab did not significantly improve clinical status or mortality rate at 28 days for participants who received it compared to a placebo.

Investigators Discover Unique Immune Cells in Patients with Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Arthritis

A study from investigators at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston has found that the synovial fluid and blood of people experiencing checkpoint inhibitor-induced arthritis is populated by a type of T cells rarely seen in people with other types of inflammatory arthritis. The findings are being presented at the virtual American College of Rheumatology annual meeting.

Children with Arthritis Living in Less Affluent Families More Likely to Report Longer Duration of Morning Joint Stiffness

Children with arthritis affecting five or more joints, called polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (polyarticular JIA), living in less affluent families were twice as likely to report more than an hour of morning joint stiffness, compared to their counterparts from more affluent families, according to a study by investigators at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). Parents and physicians should be aware that morning joint stiffness may indicate early disease symptoms of polyarticular JIA and serve as a more reliable indicator than pain.

‘Incredibly generous’ $25 million donation to create the Schroeder Arthritis Institute at UHN, consolidating research, education and patient care under one global brand

One in five Canadian adults is currently living with arthritis, a disease causing inflammation of the joints, which can result in chronic, debilitating pain, reduced mobility and premature disability. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability globally. To address this growing crisis, the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, launched with a $25 million donation by philanthropists Walter and Maria Schroeder, will help UHN’s innovative arthritis program become a world-class hub for innovation in research, education and patient care.

Arthritis Drug Presents Promise as Treatment for COVID-19 Pneumonia

UC San Diego Health has launched a Phase III clinical trial to assess whether a medication used to treat rheumatoid might also have therapeutic value for patient with COVID-19 who have developed or are at high risk of developing serious lung damage from SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Individuals taking class of steroid medications at high risk for COVID-19

Individuals taking a class of steroid hormones called glucocorticoids for conditions such as asthma, allergies and arthritis on a routine basis may be unable to mount a normal stress response and are at high risk if they are infected with the virus causing COVID-19, according to a new editorial published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Tiny scorpion-derived proteins deliver arthritis drugs to joints in preclinical study

Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center identified a tiny protein in scorpion venom that rapidly accumulates in joint cartilage. Then they linked these mini-proteins with steroids to reverse inflammation in rats with arthritis. The researchers found that the drugs concentrated in the joints, potentially avoiding the body-wide toxicities and infection risks caused by nontargeted steroid treatment.

Choosing Common Pain Relievers: It’s Complicated

About 29 million Americans use over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat pain. Every year in the U.S., NSAID use is attributed to approximately 100,000 hospitalizations and 17,000 deaths. All of these drugs have benefits and risks, but deciding which one to use is complicated for health care providers and their patients. To assist in clinical decision-making, researchers address cardiovascular risks and beyond, which include gastrointestinal and kidney side effects of pain relievers.

Orthopaedic Surgeons Available to Comment on Musculoskeletal Healthcare News and Trends, Treatment Options, Fall Prevention and More

Secretary Clinton’s fractured elbow. Sonia Sotomayer’s broken ankle. Jane Fonda’s knee replacement. If you need an expert to discuss any of these timely topics, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) can provide expert sources to comment on musculoskeletal injury prevention, diagnosis and treatment.