Arthritis treatment breakthrough
Almost four millions Australians suffer from chronic joint pain and disability caused by arthritis, but this new treatment could reduce that number if it works in humans as it does in the lab. Image: michellegibson/iStockphoto Researchers from The University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience have discovered a potential new approach to treating chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.Professor David Fairlie and his colleagues have developed an experimental treatment that has proven effective at reducing symptoms and stopping the progression of the disease in models of arthritis.“Human enzymes called proteases stimulate the secretion of immune cells that, when the correct amount is released, play important roles in digestion, fighting infections and healing wounds,” Professor Fairlie said.“But in chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, these enzymes continuously stimulate the release of immune cells, which cause inflammation when present at high levels. This leads to ongoing tissue damage.”Professor Fairlie and his team have developed...