Every day, people with arthritis face tough questions. What now? Where do I turn? Who understands what I’m going through? Thanks to your support, Arthritis Society Canada is there with answers, empathy and a path forward. Your generosity powers research, advocacy, and information and support programs. Thank you for reminding people they’re not alone — and for helping us shape a better future for people with arthritis.
– Trish Barbato, President & CEO
Donors driving discoveries: You make life-changing research possible
The knee’s fat pad – a complex player in osteoarthritis
Dr. Mohit Kapoor, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network
There is still so much to learn about the human body to help us better understand and treat arthritis. Dr. Mohit Kapoor’s research is uncovering more hidden pieces of the puzzle by taking a closer look at the largest fat pad in the knee joint, called the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP). His team mapped out how different cell types are distributed and how they might communicate with each other. This helped them discover patterns in IFP cells related to knee osteoarthritis.
What they found was remarkable: the cells showed distinct patterns varied by sex and weight.
The future: This detailed knowledge can be used to identify new targets for developing osteoarthritis treatments and to personalize them for individual patients, considering factors like their sex and overall health.
How the X chromosome influences rheumatoid arthritis risk
Dr. Celia Greenwood, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research
Did you know rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects three times more females than males? Could it be because certain genes on the X chromosome are activated when they should be inactive? Researchers are investigating to find the answer.
Dr. Celia Greenwood and her team are examining ways to identify which genes on the X chromosome may be involved in the development of RA and whether these genes are associated with changes that occur before symptoms begin. Her team will develop a computer program to analyze the genetic material of more than 200 people with RA and identify genes that influence risk.
The future: The findings may help explain why females are at higher risk of RA and could help identify people who may be at risk so that they can receive earlier treatment.
Learn more about research initiatives made possible by generosity like yours
Arthritis Talks
Arthritis Talks features experts who provide evidence-based advice to help you live a better life with arthritis.
Upcoming talks in this webinar series will cover a range of topics, including Osteoarthritis in the Back, Pain Management and Physical Activity.
View previously recorded webinars and find out more about our fall events
Donate today to help create a brighter future for people with arthritis.
