Long Beach, CA -- (SBWire) -- 07/26/2016 --New arthritis research findings are emerging as a team of grant funded scientists at the Arthritis National Research Foundation continuously develop new advances in arthritis research.

Arthritis does not discriminate based on age, gender or ethnicity. It is an all-inclusive, vast array of different diseases that affect over 52 million Americans, 300,000 of which are children. The board of scientists and physicians at the Arthritis National Research Foundation take this into consideration when funding up-and-coming arthritis research scientists for their work on specific types of arthritis. Twelve doctors are currently funded for the 2015 – 2016 year, each with their own specific arthritis research focus. These scientists are able to look at the individual details of their disease of focus and discover breakthrough findings through specific testing and research. Here are a couple examples of the arthritis research currently underway by arthritis foundation grantees.

ANRF supports research at the cellular level. To get a better picture of what triggers autoimmune forms of arthritis, arthritis foundation research scientists like Dr. Shahla Abdollahi-Roodsaz, Assistant Professor of Medicine at NYU, are taking a closer look at our cellular makeup. Her work has revealed microorganisms within the gut microbiome that contribute to the immune system's reaction in rheumatoid arthritis. This suggests that there may be a link for some rheumatoid arthritis patients between their diet and their intestinal bacteria triggering their disease. This will could offer new targets for therapy and treatment.

At Boston Children's Hospital, Dr. April Craft is working to develop new therapies that aim to regenerate and repair damaged tissue and cartilage in patients with osteoarthritis. Through an understanding of cell regeneration of articular cartilage through increased activity of the protein ?-catenin, Dr. Craft's lab is one step closer to helping those suffering with osteoarthritis. Dr. Craft's novel arthritis research may lead to exciting new treatment options for the estimated 27 million Americans suffering with osteoarthritis.

Arthritis research helps find beneficial deficiencies. Deficiencies normally carry a negative connotation. However, in the world of arthritis research, having certain deficiencies may play a vital role in the management of inflammation. In Lupus patients, a deficiency in PSGL-1, a glycoprotein, may help to minimize the severity of strokes, according to murine model research conducted by Dr. Jason Knight. However, the decrease in PSGL-1 may adversely affect the kidneys.

Dr. Stephanie Stanford, of the University of California, San Diego, is taking a genetic approach to finding a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Stanford's research in to the PTPN22 gene (one of the most potent genes linked to arthritis), has taught us that SHP-2 protein shows the same aggressiveness in rheumatoid arthritis as the PTPN22 gene. This aggressiveness among gene and protein both increase inflammation. However, by creating a deficiency in SHP-2, more forms of therapeutic targets to treat rheumatoid arthritis can be developed.

Whether doctors choose to study genetic mechanisms, determine predispositions, or expand upon past discoveries, the complicated backdrop to curing arthritis is found through arthritis foundation research. By supporting this critical arthritis research, a cure for these many types of arthritis may be within reach.

About Arthritis National Research Foundation
Arthritis National Research Foundation provides management, technical and financial support to the up-and-coming scientists in the field of arthritis research. The organization aims to help find the cure of this disease and means to minimize the sufferings of millions of arthritis patients across the globe. The foundation has a meticulous system in place to locate the brightest minds in the field of research on arthritis, and thereafter, funds their research partially or fully to ensure that the progress towards finding a cure continues unhindered.

Contact Arthritis National Research Foundation by calling 800-588-2873 regarding any queries you might have regarding their research and development works or to offer a donation.

Contact us:
John Martin
Arthritis National Research Foundation
info@curearthritis.org
Long Beach, California USA