Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026
An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice
Published on: June 6, 2025
COPD and rheumatoid arthritis: shared inflammatory pathways and clinical implications
Mohamed Abdulkadir1, Catherine Greene2
1Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland.
Introduction:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are chronic, progressive inflammatory conditions that may coexist, contributing to greater morbidity and complexity in clinical management. The overlap between these two conditions remains under-recognized despite growing evidence of shared pathogenic mechanisms and risk factors.
Areas Covered:
This review explores the emerging evidence linking RA and COPD, focusing on shared inflammatory pathways, genetic susceptibility, and environmental influences such as smoking and air pollution. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases with keywords including 'rheumatoid arthritis,' 'COPD,' 'pulmonary involvement,' and 'inflammatory overlap.' Key findings highlight diagnostic challenges stemming from symptom overlap, the underdiagnosis of COPD in RA patients, and the clinical impact of dual disease burden. The review also discusses the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, optimal use of spirometry, imaging, and symptom-based questionnaires as screening tools, and strategies for balancing immunosuppressive therapy with respiratory health.
Expert Opinion:
Greater awareness of COPD as a pulmonary manifestation of RA is essential. Early recognition through systematic screening and integrated care models may significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce disease burden.
More Related Videos
04:50Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
11:03A Cryo-pulverization Protocol for Processing Mouse Paws to Evaluate Molecular Pathways of Tissue Inflammation in a Collagen Induced Arthritis Model
Published on: October 30, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
01:20The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...