Articles in 2009

Breakdown of the extracellular matrix leading to loss of articular cartilage and bone is a characteristic feature of arthritis. The author of this Review discusses the potential role of two novel members of the ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) family, ADAMT-7 and ADAMTS-12, in the degradation of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, and suggests that that α₂-macroglobulin and granulin-epithelin precursor could represent their endogenous inhibitors.

This Case Study of a 14-year-old boy with juvenile-onset ankylosing spondylitis discusses the complexities of the nomenclature, classification, and diagnosis of the spondyloarthropathies in children, and how these matters have important implications for treatment.

Knowledge of the action of the bone remodeling cycle in patients with osteoporosis has led to the discovery of a number of novel targets for therapy. In this Review, Dr Deal summarizes currently available therapies and agents in development for the treatment of low bone mass and their modes of action.

To date, participation has not been widely evaluated as an outcome measure of ankylosing spondylitis. In this Review, the authors argue that the evaluation of participation is critical to understanding the benefit of various interventions in ankylosing spondylitis and arthritis in general. Issues for consideration in the development and use of participation as an outcome measure are also discussed.

Understanding and treating the complex pains of rheumatic disease remains an ongoing challenge. In this Review Dr Samad and colleagues discuss the molecular pathways involved in nociceptive, inflammatory and rheumatic pain and highlight how they might be therapeutically targeted.