Waste DNA a Possible Cause of Arthritis

The article described an experiment done by biochemists in Japan on special immune cells called macrophages that function in breaking down waste DNA. The team genetically modified a group of mice so that their macrophages could no longer make DNase II, which is important in degrading DNA. As a result, the waste DNA build up inside the macrophages, and the mice developed symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in humans. Their joints became inflamed and were filled with immune system chemical messengers TNF-α, which they proposed that it was due to the excess load of waste DNA. Moreover, when the team used antibodies to block TNF-α activity in mice, the symptoms of the disease were significantly reduced. This study has lead to new promises in a new treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

For more information, here is the link to the article:
http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2006/1026/2