Enzyme may help arthritis

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Enzyme may help arthritis

ST. LOUIS, June 24 (UPI) -- St. Louis scientists have found a new role

for an enzyme that may make it a target for anti-inflammatory

treatments and help in arthritis.

Research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows

the enzyme cathepsin G regulates the ability of immune cells known as

neutrophils to secrete chemicals that attract other immune cells and

start the local inflammatory process. Over time, the excessive

accumulation of immune cells can lead to tissue and cartilage damage in

joints, causing pain and limiting mobility.

" Cathepsin G affects a very early step in this kind of immune response,

so inhibiting it has attractive potential for developers of

therapeutics, " says senior author Dr. T.N. Pham, assistant

professor of medicine and a rheumatologist at -Jewish Hospital.

The findings are published in Immunity.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science & article=UPI-1

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