Current Therapeutic Options in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. Untreated RA leads to a destruction of joints through the erosion of cartilage and bone. The loss of physical function is the consequence. Early treatment is important to control disease activity and to prevent joint destruction. Nowadays, different classes of drugs with different modes of action are available to control the inflammation and to achieve remission. In this review, we want to discuss differences and similarities of these different drugs.

Real-World Analysis of Therapeutic Patterns in Patients Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis in Italy: A Focus on Baricitinib

“…Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases and is characterized by the inflammation of the synovial membranes, causing chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints [1,2]. If left untreated, RA can lead to loss of physical function caused by joint destruction; therefore, an early initiation of RA therapy upon diagnosis is required to achieve optimal outcomes, such as persistent low disease activity or remission [3]. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the mainstay of RA therapy.…”

Effects of Methotrexate Alone or Combined With Arthritis-Related Biotherapies in an in vitro Co-culture Model With Immune Cells and Synoviocytes

“…The fact that MTX could induce pro-inflammatory cytokine may be a reason why combining MTX and biologics has been reported to increase efficacy than a single agent (24). Several clinical trials have shown that the combination of MTX and biologics such as anti-TNF, anti-IL-6 receptor, anti-CTLA-4 or anti-CD20, is more efficacious than MTX alone (3,(25)(26)(27)(28).…”

“…Methotrexate (MTX) at low dose (1) is a key drug for inflammatory arthritis notably rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MTX is widely used alone or combined with biologics or steroids (2,3). Developed as a folic acid antagonist, MTX at high dose inhibits dehydrofolate reductase, thus preventing the conversion of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate.…”

Medicinal plants used against various inflammatory biomarkers for the management of rheumatoid arthritis

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) suggested the prevalence of RA is at higher risk in North America and Europe than prevalence in Asia and is affecting approximately 0.5–2% among adults throughout the globe. [ 22–24 ] In India, the prevalence of RA is around 0.28–0.7% and is more profound in rural populations as compared to urban centres. [ 18,25 ] The overall mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is three times higher than that in the general population, and the risk of RA in adults is 3.6% (1 in 28) for women and 1.7% (1 in 59) for men.…”