Comprehensive Review on Rheumatoid Arthritis: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting autoimmune disorder marked by ongoing inflammation of the synovial joints. This inflammation leads to the gradual destruction of joints and disability. RA has affected people for thousands of years. It mainly targets the small joints in the hands and feet, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It mainly affects women compared to men. The cause of RA involves a mix of genetic and environmental factors that lead to an unusual immune response. Evidence suggests it existed in early Native American populations several thousand years ago, but it may not have appeared in Europe until the 17th century. Early ideas about what causes rheumatoid arthritis focused on autoantibodies and immune complexes. Research has also linked T-cell-mediated antigen- specific responses, T-cell-independent cytokine networks, and the aggressive tumor-like behavior of the rheumatoid synovium to the disease.