Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 1

Effect of proinflammatory cytokines on synovial cells

Answer 1

stimulates synovial cell proliferation

Question 2

Pannus

Answer 2

swelling of synovial membrane due to presence of granulation tissue containing myofibroblasts, fibroblasts + inflammatory cells

Question 3

Effect of panus overtime

Answer 3

• erode bone
• damage soft tissue
• damage cartilage

Question 4

Blood tests used to diagnose RA

Answer 4

anti-CCP
ESR - erythrocyte sedimentation rate
CRP
rheumatoid factor
plasma viscosity

Question 5

examples of DMARDs

Answer 5

Methotrexate

Sulfalazine

Chloroquine

Aurothiomalate

Azathioprine

Question 6

MoA of methotrexate

Answer 6

anti-folate

inhibits purine + pyrimidine synthesis — inhibits DNA synthesis – inhibits cell proliferation

Question 7

MoA of Azathioprine

Answer 7

inhibits purine + pyrimidine synthesis — inhibits DNA synthesis – inhibits cell proliferation

Question 8

MoA of Aurothiomalate

Answer 8

gold-based cytokine inhibitor

Question 9

MoA of chloroquine

Answer 9

DNA/RNA synthesis inhibitor

reduces levels of inflammatory agents such as IL-6, IL-1b and TNF-alpha by blocking their release, or by reducing their transcription