Musculoskeletal Health - Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting synovial joints and potentially other organs except the brain.
What are key signs and symptoms of RA?
Symmetrical polyarthritis, hand deformities, subcutaneous nodules, and complications like pleurisy, fibrosis, and Sjögren’s syndrome.
What is citrullination in RA pathophysiology?
Conversion of arginine to citrulline, causing immune cells to mistake proteins as foreign and triggering inflammation.
Which autoantibodies are common in RA?
ACPAs (anti-citrullinated protein antibodies) and rheumatoid factor (RF).
What cytokines are key in RA inflammation?
TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6 – produced by macrophages and FLS to drive joint destruction.
What is RANKL and its role in RA?
RANKL regulates osteoclasts, contributing to bone destruction in RA.
Which gene alleles are most associated with RA risk?
HLA-DRB1 and PTPN22 SNPs are the strongest genetic risk factors.
What environmental factors increase RA risk?
Smoking, Porphyromonas gingivalis (periodontitis), silica dust, EBV, Proteus mirabilis.
How is intestinal dysbiosis linked to RA?
RA is associated with increased Prevotella copri and Collinsella, and decreased Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium.
What are common blood test findings in RA?
Raised ESR/CRP, positive RF in ~70% cases, ACPAs may be present years before symptoms.
What are conventional RA treatments?
DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate), NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and biologics (e.g., infliximab).
What is the dietary focus in the naturopathic approach to RA?
Anti-inflammatory CNM diet, abundant antioxidants, AIP, gluten-free, no refined sugar or trans fats.
Why is the oral microbiome important in RA?
P. gingivalis triggers citrullination; antimicrobials and oral probiotics support oral health and immunity.
What is the role of vitamin D in RA?
Inhibits Th17 cells, promotes Tregs, and lowers RANKL levels.
How does omega-3 help in RA?
Reduces IL-17, TNF-α, and NF-kB; inhibits PGE2.
What is GLA’s benefit in RA?
Converted to DGLA (PGE1), reduces inflammation and pain.
What is resveratrol’s effect in RA?
Reduces Th17 cells, downregulates NF-kB and COX-2.
How does quercetin support RA management?
Anti-inflammatory; reduces IL-17, TNF-α; inhibits FLS invasion.
Why is zinc important in RA?
Deficiency raises NF-kB, CRP, IL-1β, TNF-α; zinc is also a co-factor in inflammation regulation.
Which probiotics have strong evidence for RA?
Lactobacillus casei and L. rhamnosus GG reduce TNF and IL-6 levels.
