New hydrogel developed to combat rheumatoid arthritis

A new gel-based material has been developed that could help to treat rheumatoidarthritis through a number of modes of action. Researchers from South Korea's Institute for Basic Science have created the gel to detect nitric oxide, a core mechanism that allows the substance to be used to absorb additional fluid from swollen joints, or to release medication to affected areas. How the gel works A report published in the journal Advanced Materials has shown how the gel is able to respond to the overproduction of nitric oxide, which often occurs when immune cells become overactive in inflamed joints. Research leader Kim Won Jong said:"Nitric oxide is like a double-edged sword. It regulates inflammation and protects our body by killing external pathogens; however, when in excess, it is toxic and may causerheumatoid arthritis, as well as other autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer." The new polymeric acrylamide hydrogel is non-toxic, can contain a large amount of water and uses cross-linking agents to create a net between molecules that can trap drug molecules inside. When nitric acid is detected, the gel changes structure, releasing the contained medication and absorbing liquid out of the joints. Potential further developments Although this is a preliminary study, the gel has already demonstrated considerable therapeutic potential, which the researchers hope to develop further with future research efforts. The team is currently testing a nano-sized hy...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news