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  • About Arthritis
    Common Topics
    woman holding her wrist What Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbes Inflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

    Patient talking with nurse Newly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
    • Arthritis Types
    • More About Arthritis
    • Where it Hurts
    • Related Conditions
  • Treatments
    Common Topics
    Woman holding shoulder Webinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    Man with head in hands on bed Webinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

    • Treatment Plan
    • Drug Guide
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    Woman with upset stomach Microbiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    man exercising Stairs Workout Demo

    Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

    woman consoling another Arthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

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    2023 JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

    JA Camps

    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

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    • About Juvenile Arthritis
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    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

    Partners 4 Patients with Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices.

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    See how we're aiming to address the growing shortage of arthritis specialists, especially in under-served parts of the country.

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    OACS Forum Series

    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

    man bandaging boy's knee Conquering Childhood Arthritis

    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

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    Capital hill Action Center

    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

    LiveYes! Insights thumbnail Live Yes! INSIGHTS

    Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

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    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

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Researchers on the Path to a Cure - Spotlight on Dr. C. Michael Stein

Every day, scientists work toward the advancement of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)treatment. And Dr. C. Michael Stein has made an exciting new discovery that could help these advancements along and predict how specific treatments will work.

Dr. Stein is looking at small molecules that have the potential to cause big problems.  His 5-year Arthritis Foundation-funded project, “ Extracellular small RNAs in rheumatoid arthritis ,” is looking at how small molecules of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the blood may be markers for different diseases.



“Our bodies make RNA as a genetic messenger that tells cells which proteins to make,” Dr. Stein explained. “Very small pieces of RNA found in the bloodstream are too small to code for proteins. [Scientists] thought these small RNAs were just junk. Recently, scientists have learned that these small RNA molecules are actually important regulators of many biological processes.”

“Recent information also shows that the type and amount of different small RNAs is different in various diseases,” Dr. Stein continued. “In other words, they could provide a ‘fingerprint’ that identifies a particular disease or even a particular complication of a disease.”

Dr. Stein Arthritis Research Team Dr. Stein and his team are looking at the small RNAs found in patients with RA. They would like to see if some small RNAs are associated with more active RA.  For the first (pilot) part of this study, which began in early 2016, the team looked at the small RNA profiles of 12 RA patients and compared them to those found in 12 lupus (SLE) patients, as well as 12 healthy people (controls).  They found differences in the small RNA profiles of each group.  They also discovered the small RNAs were linked to disease-related pathways.

The results were encouraging, so this year the team will continue to look at small RNA profiles from additional RA and control patients.  By 2019, Dr. Stein and his team plan to look at RA patients starting new treatments to see if drug response changes the small RNA profiles. Big factors in the conception of the study and its rapid progress have been the contributions of his co-investigators Dr. Michelle Ormseth, a rheumatologist studying small RNAs, Dr. Kasey Vickers, one of the leading experts in the biology of small RNAs, and a talented bioinformatics group.

“Small RNAs are not only markers, but they are also responsible for mediating some of the effects of diseases and there is the possibility that new treatments for illnesses could be developed by targeting small RNAs,” Dr. Stein explained. “We are interested in seeing if the small RNA profiles of particular patients with RA predict whether or not they will respond to a particular treatment.”

Scientists have recently discovered that about half of the small RNAs in the blood are non-human (from bacteria).  “Nothing is known about these in RA.  We want to find out if the profile of the non-human small RNAs is different in patients with RA and whether they might contribute to making RA better or worse,” Dr. Stein said.

Dr. Stein has been a supporter of the Arthritis Foundation for many years, taking part regularly in the Walk to Cure Arthritis .  He describes his current project as high-risk with the potential of high rewards.  “The Arthritis Foundation has been a champion of such studies that otherwise would be difficult to undertake,” he explained.

Dr. Stein said that his interest in RA stems from years of treating patients with the disease.  “I have treated many patients with RA and appreciate the impact it has had on many people’s lives.  There have been great advances, even since I started practicing in the 1980s. But I wish we could do more for our patients.”

Dr. Stein is the Dan May Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology, associate director of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology, and director of the fellowship program at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.  His work focuses on inflammation and cardiovascular disease (RA, SLE, and atherosclerosis).

Related Resources:

  • Arthritis Foundation: Path to a Cure

  • Researchers on the Path to a Cure – Spotlight on Salah Ahmed

  • Researchers on the Path to a Cure – Spotlight on Dr. Rae Yeung

  • Researchers on the Path to a Cure – Spotlight on Dr. Bruce Cronstein

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    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

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Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

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Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

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Live Yes! INSIGHTS


Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community.

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families.

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

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Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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