Clinical trials in osteoarthritis

Article Abstract:

It would be helpful to have consistent guidelines for conducting osteoarthritis research. Different markers for drug effectiveness may be appropriate when evaluating drugs treating disease symptoms and those treating the disease itself. Appropriate markers for symptom-treating drugs are pain levels and joint function. Markers for disease-treating drugs measure disease progress chemically, by imaging techniques, or by joint tissue sampling. Studies should include a sufficient number of study patients with similar disease involvement. Control group patients in disease treating studies should receive adequate symptom medication.

Author: Brooks, P.M., March, L.M.
Standards, Clinical trials, Osteoarthritis

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Gene therapy in autoimmune diseases

Article Abstract:

Gene therapy may offer promise in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Unlike pharmaceutical treatment, gene therapy permits the delivery of proteins, nucleic acids, and other gene products which might control the disease processes. The introduction of genes can be carefully targeted, and effective therapy may provide long-term improvement. Research on the use of genes which encode the production of interleukin 1Ra and other cytokines which block inflammation may result in effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, the most common autoimmune condition.

Author: Evans, C.H., Whalen, J.D., Ghivizzani, S.C., Robbins, P.D.
Health aspects, Autoimmune diseases, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gene therapy

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Subjects list: Research
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