Important Update: We have recently heard from numerous physicians who expressed an interest in learning more about alpha-gal food allergy. To provide the greatest value to attendees we are reformatting and rescheduling our patient symposium for a later date. We plan to open the patient symposium to physicians who would like to learn more about alpha-gal. In addition to hearing from patients about their experiences, we will provide education on diagnosing and treating this allergy, as well as presenting important new research findings and data for attendees. The symposium will also enable healthcare professionals to earn continuing medical education (CME) credits. More information will be forthcoming. Anyone registered for the previously planned event date will be issued a refund.

Despite the growing base of data from arthritis research, there remains a lack of adequate scientific information regarding the relationship between bone mineral density and hip osteoarthritis (OA). A new study shows that while higher bone mineral density may lower the risk of painful hip OA among middle-aged and older adults followed for a median of 6.5 years, having “intermediate” (vs. “low” or “high”) bone mineral density may increase the risk of OA – including OA accompanied by symptoms – in knees. Overall, these results suggest that having high bone mineral density does not increase the risk of hip or knee OA, and may reduce the risk of painful hip OA.

The study, which combined the results of genetic data analysis from four well-defined population groups identified a new genetic marker associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA) among North American Caucasians. The genetic marker may identify people who are at increased chance of developing OA. The new findings can help scientists better understand the genetic mechanisms behind OA development and its progression, as well find new methods to prevent and treat OA. Importantly, the study also confirmed three other previously identified genetic markers associated with knee OA.

Federal guidelines suggest older adults with osteoarthritis (OA) engage in a total of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise a week, completed in increments of at least 10 minutes. For a variety of reasons, only about 10% of older adults with knee OA meet this goal. The good news, however, is researchers have found that as little as 45 minutes of moderate exercise such as walking weekly (even if not completed in 10-minutes segments) can still provide significant benefits.

Thurston Arthritis Research Center scientist Doug Phanstiel, PhD, has received a three-year “Independence Award” grant from the National Human Genome Research Institute at the NIH. The research he will conduct under this grant is designed to help scientists better understand a variety of biological processes that play key roles in regulating immune cell development, including DNA looping and regulation of transcription.

The National Institutes of Health have issued important new guidelines that are relevant for parents of children with peanut allergy. Thurston Allergist Edwin Kim, MD helps explain the significance of the guidelines, which are a departure from much of the traditional wisdom related to children with food allergies.

Amanda Nelson, MD, MSCR, RhMSUS, a rheumatologist at the UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center, has received the “Innovative Research Award” from the Rheumatology Research Foundation. This grant will enable her to study the association between features of osteoarthritis (OA) that are observable with ultrasound compared to radiographic (X-ray) observations and symptoms, as well as the potential influence of factors such as age, sex, race, obesity and prior injury.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP) annual conference is the world’s premier meeting of its type and provides important research and clinical updates that benefit the scientific community, physicians and patients. At this year’s conference Thurston Arthritis Research Center (TARC) experts played key roles in helping advance research and initiatives that are focused on improving the lives of people affected by rheumatologic diseases.

Patients with chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are at a higher risk of infections compared to the general population. Despite the increased risks, too often these patients do not receive the proper vaccinations. Two UNC physicians are taking steps to address this important health issue.

When the call came to lend a hand, the Thurston Arthritis Research Center answered. Several dozen employees donated a wide variety of food ranging from soups and canned fruit to pre-packaged meals for “PORCH,” a local hunger relief organization for families in need. In addition, the team donated a selection of dog and cat food for “PAWS4EVER,” a local no-kill animal shelter. Members of the Thurston Arthritis Research Center join forces several times each year to support local and national charities.