Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
09:18
Isolation and Culture of Primary Synovial Macrophages and Fibroblasts from Murine Arthritis Tissue
Published on: February 24, 2023
The synovium in rheumatoid arthritis
Carol A Hitchon1, Hani S El-Gabalawy
1University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
The Open Rheumatology Journal
|January 27, 2012
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves joint inflammation driven by autoimmunity, with characteristic autoantibodies like rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) appearing before symptoms. Understanding RA synovitis mechanisms offers new therapeutic and prevention avenues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune joint disease.
- The synovium is the primary site of inflammation, leading to cartilage and bone damage.
- Characteristic autoantibodies (RF, ACPA) precede clinical RA onset.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolution of asymptomatic autoimmunity into RA synovitis.
- To understand amplification mechanisms sustaining RA synovitis.
- To identify therapeutic and prevention targets for RA.
Main Methods:
- Review of human and animal studies on RA pathogenesis.
- Analysis of synovial inflammation and autoantibody roles.
- Investigation of mesenchymal cell engagement and ectopic lymphoid structures.
Main Results:
- Autoimmunity precedes RA, with autoantibodies like RF and ACPA detectable early.
- Synovitis involves amplification mechanisms like mesenchymal cell engagement.
- Ectopic lymphoid structures in synovium may play a role, but their link to autoantibodies is unclear.
Conclusions:
- Understanding RA initiation and progression is key for developing new treatments.
- Targeting synovial mechanisms offers potential for RA therapeutics and prevention.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of ectopic lymphoid structures in RA pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. This fluid-filled space is where the articulating surfaces of the bones contact each other. Also, unlike fibrous or cartilaginous joints, the articulating bone surfaces at a synovial joint are not directly connected to each other with fibrous connective tissue or cartilage. This gives the bones of a synovial joint the ability to move smoothly...
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...
01:23Knee Joint
The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
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...
01:07Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
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...