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Glucosamine is indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis, but questions surround its efficacy and long-term safety. In this article, Professor Wollheim discusses the results of recent trials, and provides his opinion on when glucosamine could be used.
Damage-associated molecular pattern molecules, such as heat shock proteins and S100 proteins, represent tissue danger signals, which mediate inflammatory responses after being released from activated or necrotic cells. These danger signals, and their receptors, could be targets for novel approaches in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, as discussed in this article.
In this Review, Thomas Aigner and colleagues discuss the pivotal role of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis. The article focuses on changes in the anabolic, catabolic, phenotypic and proliferative behavior of chondrocytes that affect the maintenance of the extracellular matrix, the primary target of osteoarthritic cartilage degradation.
Most pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis suffer a disease flare within 3 months of delivery of their baby. At present, due to the lack of data on the effects of antirheumatic drugs on the infant, patients feel they have to choose between postpartum disease control and lactation. These issues, and the need for further studies in this area, are highlighted in this Review.
Subgroup analyses are often included in clinical trial papers, but there are numerous pitfalls associated with this approach. Specific guidelines as to how to perform and interpret subgroup analyses should be followed to ensure that appropriate conclusions are drawn and correct clinical decisions are made.
