Arthritis could be found earlier as genes link it to osteoporosis

TWO "key" genes could help doctors identify arthritis earlier in patients and help those suffering from the bone disease osteoporosis.

- Stephen Beech

Rheumatoid arthritis, which affects 17 million people worldwide, is caused by immune cells attacking the joints, leading to painful swelling and damage to the cartilage and bone.

People with rheumatoid arthritis often develop osteoporosis, a more serious condition, from the bone damage caused by immune cells and as a side-effect of certain drugs.

Researchers Taiwan in identified two genes linked to both arthritis and osteoporosis that could serve as diagnostic tools and potential targets for treatments.