Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Hereditary

Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Hereditary ? - Did you know that genes play an important role in the development of some types of arthritis? Today we know that there are up to 100 different types of arthritis-related genes. However, these are not the only triggers. Other factors such as lifestyle or events taking place during the onset of the illness can also determine the development or not from arthritis as well as the way in which this occurs.

Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Hereditary

Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Hereditary

By genetic inheritance, we mean those that are transmitted from parents to children and factors that can influence the fact of developing or not a particular disease. If you have rheumatoid arthritis is very likely that you have researched the background in your family or you have asked you this question more than once, and more than two: my children will suffer it also?

Although identify some key genetic markers in disease today is a challenge for the scientists, the truth is that the causes of most of the types of rheumatoid arthritis are still unknown.

What do we know now?

That the prevalence of arthritis is higher in certain populations, such as native of United States (Yakima, Chippewa and Pima) tribes or families shows that the disease has a strong hereditary character. He is also a much more common disease in women (up to three times higher than in men).

It is known that rheumatoid arthritis inheritance is Polygenic, i.e., that it does not follow the classical (Mendelian) genetic laws. Several authors have described at least 10 genetic regions and 100 different genes that may be linked. It is precisely this great variability that can be related with the diversity of symptoms and the degree of progression. Thus, arthritis may be a mild or serious, disease in the same way that may vary in their response to treatment.

To perform genetic maps in search of candidate genes have been found that there is a region called HLA DR (human leukocyte antigen 'histocompatibility Antigen') which is apparently more related to the development of arthritis. It is the HLA-DRB1, known as "epitope Rheumatoid".

However, this single discovery would correspond to one third of the genetic susceptibility to disease. In addition, this partnership with Antigen of the HLA system may vary with race or other factors, indicating that there are other different genes that would also be involved. For example those coding for various proteins of the organism called cytokines (as example described one called TNF-308)
The cytokines are important mediators in the inflammation and play an important role in inflammation of the joints and the destruction of the cartilage that normally occur as the disease progresses.

The good news

The positive note - because there are it - it seems that there are also protective genes that might prevent the onset of this disease.

Find genetic factors associated with rheumatoid arthritis is essential for understanding the mechanisms that produce it, its possible application as markers of risk, diagnosis, prognosis and, even, as new treatment strategies.

Science called drug-Genetics is a field that is fast and promises to developing treatments tailored to each person in the very near future profile.

Probably after reading this article has been somewhat clearer the role played by genes on rheumatoid arthritis and you've become a more rough idea about if your children also develop it. Even so, if you still have doubts, you not cuts when it comes to ask your doctor. Sure, he can give you more information in this regard.

is rheumatoid arthritis hereditary
rheumatoid arthritis hereditary