Using ultrasonography to facilitate best practice in diagnosis and management of RA
Andrew K. Brown
Published online: 10 November 2009 | doi:10.1038/nrrheum.2009.227
Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is emerging as a potentially useful tool for the assessment and management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In this Review, Dr. Andrew Brown describes the diverse applications and advantages of this imaging modality in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis in the clinic.
Cell-free and cell-based approaches for bone regeneration
Ericka M. Bueno
&
Julie Glowacki
Published online: 10 November 2009 | doi:10.1038/nrrheum.2009.228
The authors provide an overview of the current status of the rapidly progressing field of bone regeneration. Current approaches to bone regeneration at the level of the scaffold, cells, and growth factors are described, and the advantages and limitation of each approach are identified.
Vascular effects of biologic agents in RA and spondyloarthropathies
Zoltán Szekanecz,
György Kerekes
&
Pál Soltész
Published online: 10 November 2009 | doi:10.1038/nrrheum.2009.219
Evidence is mounting that biologic agents used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory rheumatic diseases exert substantial effects not only on underlying inflammation but also on the vasculature. This article reviews the available evidence on the effects of infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept and rituximab on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease risk.
Osteoimmunology and the effects of the immune system on bone
Hiroshi Takayanagi
Published online: 03 November 2009 | doi:10.1038/nrrheum.2009.217
The immune and skeletal systems share several molecules, including cells, cytokines, transcription factors, signaling molecules and membrane receptors. In rheumatoid arthritis, the synovium is a site of active interplay between immune cells and bone cells, in which, as outlined in this Review, osteoclasts are stimulated by cytokines and molecules, such as receptor activator of nuclear factor 
B ligand, to mediate structural damage.
