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Research Update
Kansas at the Center of Arthritis Research
Arthritis Foundation-funded scientists are striving to create substances that can replace damaged joint tissue, be biologically inserted into the damaged joint to help rebuild healthy tissue or be used to improve the success of joint replacement surgery.
Under a three-year, $270,000 grant from the Arthritis Foundation, Dr. Michael Detamore 
and his colleagues at KU have discovered that the cartilage found in the jaw joint is not made of hyaline cartilage (the type found in the knee), but is a distinctly different tissue composed of several cell types. Arthritis commonly affects the jaw joint (TMJ) resulting in pain and difficulty in such common activities as eating, talking and yawning. Detamore is working to replace cartilage in the jaw joint that has been damaged by osteoarthritis (OA).
and his colleagues at KU have discovered that the cartilage found in the jaw joint is not made of hyaline cartilage (the type found in the knee), but is a distinctly different tissue composed of several cell types. Arthritis commonly affects the jaw joint (TMJ) resulting in pain and difficulty in such common activities as eating, talking and yawning. Detamore is working to replace cartilage in the jaw joint that has been damaged by osteoarthritis (OA).Another funded researcher, KU professor Fusau Takusagawa, is exploring solutions to the side effects of some 
osteoarthritis treatments. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen have long been used in the treatment of arthritis pain, inflammation, and fever. In recent years, attempts have been made to minimize the side effects these medications can have on the stomach by targeting the enzyme known as COX-2, but some of the medications (such as Vioxx) intended to reduce these have resulted in unintended complications such as an increased rate of heart attacks or strokes. Dr. Takusagawa and his researchers at the University of Kansas are now seeking to further refine treatment of inflammation by targeting new enzymes that will reduce inflammation and hopefully avoid both cardiovascular and gastrointestinal complications of NSAIDs.
osteoarthritis treatments. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen have long been used in the treatment of arthritis pain, inflammation, and fever. In recent years, attempts have been made to minimize the side effects these medications can have on the stomach by targeting the enzyme known as COX-2, but some of the medications (such as Vioxx) intended to reduce these have resulted in unintended complications such as an increased rate of heart attacks or strokes. Dr. Takusagawa and his researchers at the University of Kansas are now seeking to further refine treatment of inflammation by targeting new enzymes that will reduce inflammation and hopefully avoid both cardiovascular and gastrointestinal complications of NSAIDs.These two research projects are excellent examples of the Arthritis Foundation’s pursuit of answers to the origins and treatments of arthritis. Both grants were made possible by donations from hundreds of Arthritis Foundation supporters across Kansas.
