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Synovitis Research Paper

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RA is associated with inflammation of the synovium, autoantibody production, progressive cartilage and bone destruction, early morbidity, and other systemic consequences in which many include cardiovascular events. Although structural changes can be visualized by conventional imaging techniques, joint damage is rarely apparent in early stages of disease, but rather accumulates over time (4). Various immune modulators and signalling pathways are involved in the pathophysiology of RA. The influx of mononuclear cells, including T and B cells results in synovitis, which is inflammation of the synovial joint. The synovial lining becomes hyperplastic and the membrane expands and destroys bone, due to osteoclast-rich regions. Cartilage is also degraded by enzymes secreted from synoviocytes and chondrocytes (4).

RA patients produce autoantibodies which are specific for RA. They can produce Anti-Citrullinated Protein antibodies (ACPAs) which target citrullinated proteins/peptides found within the synovium. Similarly, they can also produce Anti-Homocitrullinated Protein Antibodies (AHCPAs) which target homocitrullinated proteins/peptides. These autoantibodies in addition to the classical rheumatoid factor …show more content…

Due to the irreversible damage that occurs in RA, there is a need to improve the identification and diagnosis of early RA. The primary serological tests for RA used to be assays detecting rheumatoid factor; however, nowadays ACPA assays are being used clinically. The most widely known autoantibody is the rheumatoid factor (RF). These IgM autoantibodies are directed against the Fc portion of IgG molecules. RF can be detected in about 75% of RA patients; however, it is also found in the healthy elderly population (5). Thus, it is not very specific. In addition, false positive RF results occur in patients with chronic infections and other rheumatic and inflammatory

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