Scientists have identified an enzyme’s new role in aiding joint inflammations in conditions like arthritis.
An enzyme called cathepsin G can regulate the ability of the immune cells to secrete chemicals that will start the process of inflammatory conditions that can lead to arthritis. The enzyme cathepsin G attracts accumulation of immune cells that can lead to damage of the tissue and cartilage in joints leading to the inflammatory condition of arthritis.Researchers of the study feel that the enzyme can be targeted for the treatment of arthritis as it is involved in the very initial stages of the arthritis condition and hence may bring long-term relief.
Cathepsin G enzyme is part of a group pf enzymes called proteases. Proteases are the enzymes that are targeted when treating HIV patients in one of the treatment procedures. In targeting the enzyme for arthritis treatment, scientists may already have a lot of research updates available on the protein that can be used to discover new ways of relieving people suffering from the pains of arthritis.
The researchers did the research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Reference: Immunity, June 2005
