Study: Targeted Steroid Injections Relieve Pain, Reduce Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis

A new study found glucocorticoid therapy can reduce the amount of citrullination, a process that converts the protein building block arginine into citrulline, which is thought to increase inflammation, in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis, according to findings published in Arthritis Research & Therapy.

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Researchers found elevated levels of citrullinated proteins and levels of the enzymes (PAD2 and 4) in the knees of those with rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment with methotrexate, an anti-rheumatic drug, had no effect on the levels of CP or PAD. However a single injection of glucocorticoid reduced both the level of protein citrullination and PAD4. Researchers also found a decrease in visible signs of inflammation after the injection.

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