• Weekly Link Roundup 04/12/2012

Weekly Link Roundup 04/12/2012

Great links, news, studies and research this week!

Gastro Woes Often Strike Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients— a new study conducted by Mayo Clinic researchers reports that RA patients are at increased risk for GI problems, including ulcers, bleeding, perforations, and death related to gastrointestinal issues. The goal of the study is to highlight the need to develop new ways to prevent and treat these complications. Do you struggle with GI issues associated with your Rheumatoid Arthritis?
New Guidelines Focus on Early RA Treatment — New guidelines issued by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommend focusing on early treatment, TB testing, special considerations for high-risk patients, and more aggressive treatment in early disease. Read more about the reasons for the new guidelines and what each means specifically for both new and old patients.
Microflora Have Decisive Role With Autoimmune Illnesses — April 5, 2012: What does this mean? Scientists in Berlin and Switzerland have discovered that a specific fungi activates the immune cells involved in the development of certain diseases (psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune arthritis), while other microorganisms found naturally on the skin lend an anti-inflammatory function to them. Dr. Zielinski, author of the study, explains that this finding “not only demonstrates that the composition of our microflora has a decisive role int he development of chronic illnesses, but also that the key cells causing illness can develop an anti-inflammatory ‘twin’.” Read more to learn about the implications of the study’s findings and what else the researchers found.
Virus Protects Against Lupus— April 2, 2012: Researchers have discovered that the animal model of the human Epstein Barr virus protects lupus-prone mice against the development of the disease. This came as a big surprise to scientists, whose previous work suggested that this virus might actually promote the development of autoimmunity. Researchers do not yet know how this virus inhibits Lupus, but have begun experiments to find out. Click to learn and read more.

Blog of the Week: Lupine Lady, who chronicles her journey through life with the ups and downs of Lupus. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with this wonderful woman about her journey and found that we have quite a bit in common. Absolutely worth a follow.

*As always, please send me your favourite blogs that you would like to see as BOTW.