Rheumatoid Arthritis and Stem Cell Therapies Perspectives for It

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Year : 2025 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 02 | Page :
    By

    Debanjali Adhikary,

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by systemic inflammation, primarily affecting synovial joints, leading to joint destruction and systemic complications. The pathogenesis involves immune system dysregulation, autoantibody production, and enzymatic imbalances. Enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), serine proteases, and kinases, play crucial roles in these processes. Their dysregulation contributes significantly to disease progression through the imbalance of pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. MMPs, such as collagenases (MMP- 1, MMP-8, MMP-13) and gelatinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), are overexpressed in RA, causing cartilage degradation and synovial inflammation. Serine proteases, including neutrophil elastase and cathepsins, exacerbate inflammatory responses and ECM breakdown. Kinases like Janus kinase (JAK), spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) mediate intracellular signaling pathways that promote cytokine production and synovial hyperplasia. Oxidative stress, a hallmark of RA, is intensified by the deficiency of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Addressing enzyme dysregulation represents a promising therapeutic avenue. Enzyme engineering, nanotechnology- based enzyme delivery systems, enzyme inhibitors, and recombinant enzyme therapies are being explored to optimize treatment outcomes. Despite challenges like enzyme stability and potential immune responses, advancements in protein engineering, computational modelling, and gene therapy hold promise for personalized medicine approaches in RA, offering more precise and effective treatments by restoring enzymatic balance and preventing joint destruction.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, MSC, Stem cells, arthritis, MMP-2, MMP-9.

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : A Journal of Biotechnology ]

How to cite this article:
Debanjali Adhikary. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Stem Cell Therapies Perspectives for It. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Biotechnology. 2025; 15(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Debanjali Adhikary. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Stem Cell Therapies Perspectives for It. Research and Reviews : A Journal of Biotechnology. 2025; 15(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjobt/article=2025/view=210058


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 15
Issue 02
Received 30/03/2025
Accepted 06/04/2025
Published 13/05/2025
Publication Time 44 Days


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