Research Update - March/April 2006

• Platelet C4d Is Highly Specific for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Another Inflammatory Mediator Identified: Possible New Therapeutic Target?
• Isolated Compound from Chinese Herb Proven to Work in Collagen-Induced Arthritis
• Kudos
• Prescription Opiod Use for Older Adults with Arthritis or Low Back Pain
• Cigarette Smoking and Systemic Lupus Erythemagosus: A Smoking Gun?
• Portrait in Research: Karen Costenbader, MD, MPH
• Researchers in the News

From the Chair, Medical & Scientific Advisory Council, Philip L. Cohen, MD

In this issue, Research Update summarizes recent Arthritis Foundation-funded studies that take a look at topics such as the connection of lupus and smoking, a new chemokine that may be an indicator for inflammation, an herb that may be useful for arthritis and the use of prescription opioids in people with arthritis and back pain.

We also put the spotlight on some of our researchers featured in the lay press recently and we take a closer look at one of our researchers featured in this issue.

We hope you enjoy reading about these latest AF-funded studies and encourage you again to send us your opinions of how this newsletter can best serve you. We want to know what appeals to you about Research Update. What would you like to read more of/less of? How else can the Arthritis Foundation provide research information to you?

Your opinion is very important to us. Please share your ideas with Bethany Afshar at the National Office at bafshar@arthritis.org or 404-965-7621.