Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026
09:18
Isolation and Culture of Primary Synovial Macrophages and Fibroblasts from Murine Arthritis Tissue
Published on: February 24, 2023
Macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis
N Maruotti1, F P Cantatore, E Crivellato
1University of Foggia Medical School, Foggia, Italy.
Histology and Histopathology
|March 3, 2007
Summary
Macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tissue drive inflammation and joint destruction by releasing key molecules. This imbalance disrupts normal joint function, leading to significant pathology.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves chronic inflammation in the joints.
- Macrophages are key immune cells present in RA synovial tissue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms by which macrophages contribute to joint damage in RA.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of macrophage-derived factors in RA synovial tissue.
- Assessment of the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators.
Main Results:
- Macrophages in RA tissue release growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases, cytokines, and chemokines.
- An imbalance favoring pro-inflammatory mediators over inhibitors is characteristic of RA joints.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages are central to RA pathogenesis, driving inflammation and matrix destruction.
- Dysregulation of macrophage-derived factors contributes to the chronic inflammatory state and tissue damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
Related Concept Videos
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:38Inflammation
Overview
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
01:26Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response
Acute inflammation is a rapid, short-lived physiological response to tissue injury or infection, designed to eliminate harmful agents and initiate repair. This tightly regulated process typically lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by factors such as microbial invasion, physical trauma, or chemical injury.Recognition and Mediator ReleaseThe inflammatory response begins when resident immune cells—such as mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells—detect damage-associated...