[Arthritis, Rheumatology, and Autoimmune Diseases] An Online Publication of the Arthritis National Research Foundation
June 2019
Strong Partnerships
In this issue, you will read real stories of patients and activists with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. You will also learn about ANRF’s recent partnership with the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute on a community event discussing autoimmunity. That is in addition to a recent collaboration with the international TNF conference. Promising research by current ANRF awardee, Dr. Pierre Cunin, is also highlighted as well as a spotlight on a supporter and athlete Adam Wolf, a patient with AS and a marathon runner! - Zaher Nahle PhD, CEO, ANRF
LATESTNEWS
Answers From Within - A Spotlight on Pierre Cunin
An intriguing biological phenomenon, termed emperipolesis, is increased in arthritis patients. It occurs when neutrophils (white blood cells key in inflammation) enter into megakaryocyte (cells that produce platelets) where biological material is transferred to it before it exists. Pharmacological manipulation of emperipolesis may have significant implications for arthritis and other neutrophil-driven inflammatory disorder treatment strategies.
ANRF provided travel grants for upcoming scientists in their postdoctoral fellowship period to attend the 17th International Conference on the TNF Superfamily. TNF is one of the key cytokines that causes destructive inflammation in autoimmune diseases, and drugs that inhibit TNF, such as Enbrel, Humira and others, are often successful in alleviating inflammation. New breakthroughs in understanding inflammation are often presented at this conference.
The Write Stuff – Overcoming your Arthritis Diagnosis
Author and activist, Effie Koliopoulos, shares her journey with juvenile arthritis (JA) and how she found strength in her writing. With a strong sense of self belief Effie has developed numerous coping mechanisms throughout her journey with JA, using her writing to share these and so much more, she connects patients through their experiences.
A diagnosis and treatment window exists in which patients will gain the highest benefit from treatment. Here we explore ways in which patients can advocate for themselves, over coming barriers to early diagnosis and the role ANRF plays in this journey.
Adam Wolfe makes a marathon effort to raise funds and awareness for arthritis research by running under the Racing For A Cure ANRF banner. A true inspiration!
