Abstract

ROLE OF METALLOPROTEINASES IN THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF RHEUMATOID ATHRITIS

P. Anjali and *R. Vimalavathini

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of heterogeneous origin. RA occurs when the immune system is triggered by an unknown antigen resulting in cascade of inflammatory mediators. This disease is characterized by symptoms such as joint tenderness, muscle weakness, reduced range of motion and metatarsophalangeal joint pain. Since there is no complete cure for RA, the primary goal of treatment is to prevent further structural damage of connective tissues and the joints. This review discusses about pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis with emphasis on role of metalloproteinases and cathepsins in pathophysiology of RA.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorder, metalloproteinases.