Autoimmune Disease: Rheumatoid Arthritis

People with rheumatoid arthritis experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in their joints, primarily in the fingers and wrists.¹ This condition also affects other areas of the body, such as the heart and lungs.²

Currently, the exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unclear. Certain factors, such as older age or a family history of the disorder, can increase a person's risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Hormones may also play a role in the development of this condition, because rheumatoid arthritis occurs more often in women than in men.²

Researchers at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) are investigating the genetic factors that determine who is at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and how severe the condition will be. Identifying the genes and molecules that contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis helps researchers develop new treatments. In addition, understanding what happens at the molecular level may help researchers design new tests for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis and identify which treatments are best for specific patients.³