Arthritis

Washington University School of Medicine has established a multidisciplinary Center for Arthritis and Related Diseases that involves physicians and scientists in many divisions and departments and allied health professionals throughout the Medical Center. The medical team at the Center for Arthritis and Related Diseases (CARDS) is gearing up to make significant strides in battling these diseases and to become the country's premier institute for research and patient care in this important area. Nearly 40 million people of all ages, one in seven Americans, are affected by arthritis or a related disease that affects the joints, muscles and bones. These diseases can cause severe health impairment leading to death, but their impact is usually reflected in restricted activity, loss of productivity, increased utilization of medical services and the high cost of medical and disability expenses.

Faculty Experts:

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Richard H. Gelberman Fred C. Reynolds Professor and Head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Gelberman The Fred C. Reynolds Professor and head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Richard H. Gelberman, M.D., is a world-renowned expert in hand and wrist microsurgery and a former president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Expertise: hand surgery, wrist surgery, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, tendon healing, carpal tunnel, radial fracture Direct contact: (314) 747-2531

Jonathan Gitlin Helene B. Roberson Professor of Pediatrics Gitlin Jonathan Gitlin, M.D., the Helene B. Roberson Professor of Pediatrics and professor of pathology and immunology, specializes in arthritis, rheumatology and diseases and disorders of the immune system in children. Expertise: Arthritis, immune system, children, rheumatology, pathology, immunology Media assistance: (314) 286-0119 / leydigk@wustl.edu

Wayne Yokoyama Sam J. Levin and Audrey Loew Levin Professor of Research in Arthritis Wayne Yokoyama, who is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and chief of the Division of Rheumatology, is a leader in the study of natural killer (NK) cells, immune system cells that are known to kill certain types of tumors. The cells also play a role in the body's defenses against invaders ... Expertise: immunity, natural killer cells, tumor immunology, autoimmunity, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis Media assistance: (314) 286-0122 / purdym@wustl.edu

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News Stories & Tip Sheets:

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Immune cell self-destruction Gene regulates immune cells' ability to harm the body July 16, 2009 -- A recently identified gene allows immune cells to start the self-destructive processes thought to underlie autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis, researchers at the School of Medicine have found.

Treating bone and muscle disorders Grant creates new Center for Musculoskeletal Biology and Medicine June 9, 2009 -- A five-year, $3 million grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), will allow investigators from more than 50 School of Medicine laboratories to join forces in the fight against musculoskeletal disorders. The grant funds a Core Center for Musculoskeletal Biology and Medicine. Its goal is to better understand causes and potential treatments for muscle and bone disorders.

Immune system's soldiers get better with experience Major immune system branch has hidden ability to learn Jan. 26, 2009 -- Half of the immune system has a hidden talent, researchers at the School of Medicine have discovered. They found the innate immune system, long recognized as a specialist in rapidly and aggressively combating invaders, has cells that can learn from experience and fight better when called into battle a second time. Scientists previously thought any such ability was limited to the immune system's other major branch, the adaptive immune system.

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Related News Clips:

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Luminol used to ID immune inflammation United Press International and 5 others March 24, 2009 -- WUSTL scientists led by WUSTL radiology professor David Piwnica-Worms and lead author and postdoctoral fellow Shimon Gross say they've discovered luminol -- a compound used at crime scenes to make blood residue glow -- can also identify immune inflammation.

Considering an enzyme supplement? Los Angeles Times April 2, 2007 -- An expert responds to a reader's question about the benefits of Vitalzym, as a treatment for arthritis. We are told that the supplement cleans the blood, boosts the immune system and eases the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. Some alternative health websites also claim that enzymes in Vitalzym and similar products help fight cancer. Some doctors are skeptical. WUSTL rheumatologist Richard Brasington comments.

Immune cell actions likened to James Bond United Press International and 6 others Aug. 4, 2005 -- WUSTL scientists led by Wayne Yokoyama have found a group of immune system cells they say resemble James Bond, in that they receive a "license" allowing them to kill invaders. The "licensing" process apparently helps reduce the chances the cells will erroneously attack the body's own tissues. The study is detailed in the Aug. 4 issue of the journal Nature.

Medicine fueled by marketing intensified trouble for pain pills The New York Times, St. Louis Post-Dispach and 2 others Dec. 20, 2004 -- WUSTL trustee Philip Needleman was instrumental in the research and development of the drug marketed by Pfizer as Celebrex. This article states that Needleman had left WUSTL for Monsanto in 1989 to work on the development of the drug.

Background: Division of Rheumatology

Ranked 15th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the Division of Rheumatology at Washington University provides leading care for patients with rheumatic diseases (arthritis, musculoskeletal, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases). The Division is a Missouri Regional Arthritis Center and is affiliated with Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Dr. Wayne Yokoyama, nationally recognized as a preeminent researcher in the field, is chief of the Division of Rheumatology. Ten faculty are in the clinical practice -- all of whom are board certified. Nine faculty are involved in basic science research and three perform clinical research.

Our physicians include a number of national and regional experts in a program nationally recognized as a leader in advancing the understanding and treatment of rheumatologic disorders. The Division houses one of the top programs in the country for educating future healthcare providers, educators and researchers.

The breadth of research and clinical experience enable rheumatologists at Washington University to treat a wide range of complicated rheumatologic diseases including a variety of types of arthritis and vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels), as well as other diseases of the bones and joints.

Common problems our specialists treat include:

• Arthritis
• Rheumatism
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Behcet's disease
• Dermatomyositis
• Gout and pseudogout
• Lupus (SLE)
• Marfan's syndrome
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD)
• Polymgalgia rheumatia
• Polymyositis
• Reiter's syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Scleroderma
• Temporal arthritis
• Vasculitis
• Wegener's granulomatosis

Washington University rheumatologists offer you a level of experience and expertise available at few centers in the nation. Among the leading-edge treatment currently offered are plasma pheresis and IV infusion therapy, which provide alternate forms of therapy for appropriate patients who suffer from various rheumatologic disorders.

Integrated Arthritis Care and Research

The Division also is home to the Center for Arthritis and Related Diseases

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