9/24/10 Scientists say they have turned up a genetic clue that may help predict which people with knee osteoarthritis, or OA, are likely to see their disease progress.
The study, presented this week at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis in Brussels, Belgium, involved data from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, in North Carolina, which monitored 1,154 participants for up to 11 years to see when they got OA and how quickly it advanced.
Genetic tests were done on participants at the start of the study. In analysing those tests, researchers found nine genes associated with OA progression. The strongest association of the bunch involved a specific pattern of genetic variations in the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, or IL-1Ra, gene.
These genetic factors nearly doubled the likelihood that a person’s OA would progress to a severe stage. Interleukin-1, or IL-1, is a chemical signal associated with inflammation and cartilage degradation.
“These genetic polymorphisms, which were previously found to be associated cross-sectionally with more severe knee OA, have now been shown to be associated with the development and progression or worsening of knee OA over time,” explains lead author Joanne M. Jordan, MD, director of the University of North Carolina’s Thurston Arthritis Research Center.
While researchers were able to see an association between these specific genetic variations and disease progression, they can’t explain why that is.
“It may have to do with the way molecules line up or fold or fit in their receptors, any of which can cause enzymes to behave differently from how they otherwise might,” Dr. Jordan says.
Dr. Jordan says more research is needed but she has hopes for what this discovery will mean down the road.
“This might make it possible to identify high-risk people in advance of getting OA or before it progresses,” she explains.
I'm prone to knee infections that require hospitalizations so I can get treated with I.V antibiotics.Im in pain every single day due to the fact that it's rubbing bone on bone. Thought out the years of leaning towards one side I got scoliosis because of my knee.. I need a total knee replacement and no Doctors wants to do surgery because I'm prone to infections..If they do it. 90% chance it could get infected and might need to amputate my leg..I haven't worked for 9 yrs because of my disability..It's been a very bumpy road..but other people are worse than me so I'm Sooo grateful that I'm still able to walk around and not in a wheelchair or bed bound.. I'm a high risk to even have a job.because I won't last no more than 2 months because of my disability..
I'm waiting to be scheduled for removal of a mucous cyst caused by OA, at the base of my nail on one hand. That's a new one for me.
My daughter has RA and she's only 40.
My question, how can you have OA from 'overuse'. What are hands for?
BTW I also have had Benign Essential Blepharospasm (http://www.blepharospasm.org/forums/beb/) and other Dystonic problems throughout my body for the last 15 yrs., from reacting to an antibiotic (Biaxin).
Thank you,
Judy in WA
What about stem cell research.
I have coped, managed and survived OA for 50 years, but am finding myself getting locked into my own body.A good night's sleep is an impossible dream, and I know that fatigue plays a large role in exacerbating symptoms.....Please direct me to someone, who is willing to assess, treat and work with me in regaining a healthier body.
My zip code is 32583 so Panhandle FL or AL would be convenient. Thank you in advance,
Angel
I live at the shore, so weather is a major factor. The changing seasons can be a real killer.
Unfortunately, I had a doctor that gave me a dose of Reclast for my osteoporosis, which caused me to have over 50 bone spurs to form all over my body. They form on the nerve ends and are very painful as well.
Two of the three of my children have inherited my bone issues. So far we are not sure if any of my 13 grandchildren are going to have the problem. I don't know how you all feel, but I feel so guilty when I see my kids suffer from something that I have passed on to them, especially when they have to have surgery for it. I feel responsible. It's harder than going through it yourself. Some times I wonder if I would have made a different decision if I would have known that this all would have passed on to them, but I would have wanted them in my life. It's a lose-lose battle sometimes.
I've had OA(both hips)since I was 40 and now at 51 I have it in every joint in my body with my spine and my neck being the absolute worst! On a scale of 1-10 most days it's an 8 or 9.
I can only stand or sit for short periods of time and when I do go overboard I'm paying for it for days on end and the only thing that helps then is to lie flat on my back as much as possible.
My mother had OA of the spine at age 40 and I have a brother who also has OA in most of his joints (he's 49)
So yes, we know it's genetic! Now just tell us how to live pain free!
answers..my knees began to give me a great amount of pain, I tried the synvix..it did not help...I found LLEL low level laser treatments, they are painless and have helped me to the point where I do not need a cane to walk or need to take pain medication or any other medications. I do take glucosomine and tumeric for controlling inflamation in my body... I highly recomend finding a center that does the low level laser treatment..it works!
I have full blown rheumatoid arthritis and am beginning to suspect my older sister may be suffering from the same.
Unfortunately for my four children, who are already having joint and muscle issues-the same problems are manifested through their paternal grandmother.
To Deena: I have lipoma issues, too. They removed a huge one from the crook of my elbow, because it was causing impingement and excruciating pain, but I have nerve damage and regrowth of a smaller one. I'm not too keen on having any of my other one/s removed.
I really din't want them to travel this path, either.
My grandmother and mother could not benefit from all the medicines and procedures, unfortunately.
My sister has had both knees replaced, and my brother has had one replaced. My daughter has had her right hip and left knee replaced. I have hit the jackpot and had both knees and both shoulders replaced, a laminectory on my lower back, a fusion in my neck and both thumbs have had the anchovy surgery on base of the thumbs.
I am currently waiting for all the bones in my right foot to be fused.
All of the FEMALES on my fathers' side of the family have the same problems as me...
I wish some research could be done there are 5 of us.
Also note: I have a lot more pain in elevations above 2,000 feet, and in areas that have high humidity, I become unable to walk in three days in the above scenerios!
I am very sensitive to Barometric pressure changes too.
Luckily I live in Arizona, The best place to be if you have Arthritis!
I was a semi-professional Ballroom & Country Western Competition dancer and had to give it up because of RA in my toes. I still am always moving and stay busy, the brain does not let the feeling of pain hurt so much when it is busy with keeping you moving, and doing active things. I hurt the most when my body is still, like laying down at night is my most painful time of the day, YEP! I do not sleep well! LOL
love and light
Deena
Fortunately, my knees haven't been affected, but my fingers, thumb joint at the wrist are very painful and swollen and mis-shapened.
L-4 is completely degenerated, L-5 and S-1 are very painful and nothing really helps.
Hips have a lot of pain, but my complaints to Doctors just go to deaf ears! I would like any info on FIXING not MASKING these problems I am not into narcotic pain meds, the ONLY thing that relieved my pain was BEXTRA which is off the market....I do not have a heart problem>
I had a Big lipoms (fatty tumor) removed which caused major pain at L_4,5, S-1 and butt! It took me 3 years and finally was seen ob Ortho who removed it, I have many more of these tumors all around lower lumbar, butt & hips.
Never been fat at all.
Anyone else have this????
thankyou for reading
Deena
Try the Arthritis Fondation or your YMCA, to find classes!
My doctor has given me a patch for pain, and meloxicam but that is all. They give some relief sometimes. I have found other suggestions on this site and appreciate the information.
I am trying to have surgery on my LT. Knee, and it is moderate for now. Everyone has to do whatever works for them to keep OA on control. I wish I had known this as my mother would say, in my hay day.
Over the next year I rode bicycle daily, 25 miles, and lost weight. I got down to my ideal weight of 185 lbs. Now, three years later, the pain is gone and I can walk normally.
Can the desease be arrested or cured by exercise and weight loss?
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