Title:Parasites in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Imminent Threat or Protective Effect?
Volume: 13
Issue: 2
Author(s): Ana Paula Monteiro Gomides*, Caliandra Maria Bezerra Luna Lima, Franciso Airton Castro Rocha, Licia Maria Henrique da Mota and Sandra Maximiano de Oliveira
Affiliation:
- SEPS 709/909 Sala 123 A, Asa Sul, 70.390-095. Brasília- DF,Brazil
Keywords:
Helminths, parasitic infections, rheumatoid arthritis, immunomodulation, glycoprotein, autoimmune.
Abstract: Parasitic infections are among the oldest and most common infections in humans. Host
defense alterations caused by autoimmune diseases or immunosuppressive drugs can cause modifications
of the symptoms: indolent parasites can be reactivated, asymptomatic patients may experience
new symptoms, or mild or moderate symptoms can become serious and, rarely, may lead to death. In
recent years, new drugs have been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), causing a
greater level of immunosuppression and, therefore, more concerns regarding the risk of serious parasitic
diseases. Of note, experimental studies have demonstrated that the immunomodulation induced
by infection with helminths can minimize the occurrence and severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Products
derived from helminths (such as glycoprotein ES-62) can exert favorable effects in RA patients
via their anti-inflammatory actions. Greater knowledge of these substances may serve as a basis for
the development of new treatments for RA. The full impact of parasitic diseases on patients with
rheumatoid arthritis remains controversial, and further studies are warrented.
