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New research into what causes RA.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Charlotte, NC
January 14
 · 
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myRAteam

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

While the exact cause of RA remains unknown, research continues to reveal how genetic and environmental factors work together to trigger this autoimmune disease.

How RA Develops

In RA, your immune system mistakenly creates antibodies that attack healthy joint tissue instead of protecting Show Full Answer

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

While the exact cause of RA remains unknown, research continues to reveal how genetic and environmental factors work together to trigger this autoimmune disease.

How RA Develops

In RA, your immune system mistakenly creates antibodies that attack healthy joint tissue instead of protecting your body. Two common autoantibodies found in RA are rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP). Your immune system also releases chemicals called cytokines that cause chronic inflammation, leading to joint damage over time.

Key Risk Factors

Research has identified several factors that increase RA risk:

• Family history - Having a close relative with RA increases your risk
• Certain genes - Variations in the HLA-DR gene are linked to higher RA risk
• Being female - Women develop RA two to three times more often than men
• Age - Risk increases with age, especially between ages 50-60
• Smoking - Both active smoking and childhood exposure to secondhand smoke significantly raise risk
• Obesity - Higher body weight is linked to increased RA risk
• Environmental exposures - Including occupational dust, air pollution, and certain infections

Protective Factors

Some factors may reduce RA risk:

• Breastfeeding history
• Giving birth (parity)
• Moderate alcohol intake
• Healthy diet with fish and omega-3 fatty acids
• Adequate vitamin D levels

Research also shows that race and ethnicity play a role, with certain Native American tribes having the highest risk globally, while people from Southeast Asia show lower occurrence rates.

January 14
A myRAteam Member

I would certainly hate to think that the dedicated Rheumatologist/Researchers I have worked with are wasting their lives. These Researchers are the lowest paid of Doctors and they do so much more than research. They have clinical patients, research patients, classes to teach, they work on call at the hospitals and on top of all that, they have families!!
I understand the money involved, for the meds we take. But researchers have to find money and patients that fit the criteria of the research they are doing. This can take years, just to get started on one study.
Because we all react differently to RA and the meds we take, it certainly is not a one study fits all. Personally, I will continue to help with Research, any way I can. I encourage each of you that are near a teaching hospital, that does RA studies, to reach out and see if there is a study that you can participate in. Research literally saved my life and I stay in touch with the Rheumatologist who cleared her calendar, that 1st day and spent 8 hours with me, just to find the best study and begin that journey to find my working med!
God Bless these dedicated Rheumatologist!

January 23
A myRAteam Member

RA is like most cancers and diabetes. They will never find a cure. A lot of money is made in just trying to treat people

January 14

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