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Journal of Postgraduate Medicine
Medknow Publications and Staff Society of Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India
ISSN: 0022-3859 EISSN: 0022-3859
Vol. 50, No. 4, 2004, pp. 293-299
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Bioline Code: jp04102
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, Vol. 50, No. 4, 2004, pp. 293-299
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Review Article - Biological agents in rheumatoid arthritis
Shankar S, Handa Rohini
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the commonest inflammatory joint disease with considerable morbidity and mortality. Conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs like methotrexate form the cornerstone of therapy. However, they have several limitations in terms of slow onset of action, adverse effects and modest remission and retention rates. Several cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of RA. Biological agents that specifically inhibit the effects of tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) or Interleukin-1 (IL-1) represent a major advancement in the treatment of RA. By targeting molecules that are directly involved in the pathogenesis of RA, these therapies are proving to be efficacious, highly specific and better tolerated than standard therapies. The use of these agents needs to be monitored carefully for possible side-effects, including the development of infections. Additional anti-cytokine agents for the treatment of RA are under further development.
Keywords
Rheumatoid arthritis, biological agents, inflammatory cytokines
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