| Theme | Bone disorders in rheumatic diseases | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Bone loss and joint destruction in rheumatoid | |
| Publish Date | 2003/01 | |
| Author | Hiroshi Tsurukami | Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tamana Central Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | Synovitis and periarticular bone loss play important roles in the joint destruction of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Synovial granulation "pannus" proliferation, due to inflammatory cytokines induces osteoclasts and bone erosion. RA patients experience general bone loss and periarticular types of bone loss. Increase of bone resorption causes generally high bone turnover. In juxtarticular bone marrow, the increase of osteoclastogenesis reduced bone volume and bone strength. These two factors cause joint destruction. We hope to use the biological agents that target at the cytokines and bisphosphonates as antiresorptive agents and to prevent joint destruction in RA patients. | |