[Rheumatic pain]

Abstract

RA is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy that characterized by joint destruction with invasive proliferation of synovial cells in articular cartilage. Inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6 are overproduced and play an important role in the process. In order to relief patient's chronic pain and to prevent of joint destruction, NSAIDs, steroids and DMARDs are common. Recently, anti-cytokine therapy develop and neutralizing antibody to TNF-alpha (infliximab) and TNF-alpha receptor/IgG fusion protein(etanercept) are already used in U.S.A. and in Europe. In Japan, these medicines are now on clinical trial and will be available in a few years. Other anti-cytokine therapy like IL-1 receptor antagonist and anti-IL-6 receptor antibody is also on clinical trial.