Damaged proteins that may drive inflammation and scarring in rheumatoid arthritis and related lung disease
Inflammatory and Fibrotic Responses to Malondialdehyde-Acetaldehyde Adducts in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Testing whether specific damaged proteins cause both joint inflammation and lung scarring in people with rheumatoid arthritis, especially veterans with smoking or burn pit exposures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Omaha VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11204587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research looks at how two types of damaged proteins (called MAA- and citrulline-modified proteins) may trigger both inflammation in joints and scarring in the lungs of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers will study human joint and lung tissues and use lab cell models and animal models to see how these modified proteins activate immune cells and fibroblasts. The team will measure how this activation leads to more protein changes and production of scar-forming material in tissues. The goal is to find molecular steps that could be targeted to reduce both inflammation and fibrosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with rheumatoid arthritis, especially those with RA-associated interstitial lung disease or a history of heavy smoking or military burn pit exposure, would be the best candidates.
Not a fit: People without rheumatoid arthritis or whose lung disease comes from unrelated causes are unlikely to get direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new treatments that reduce both joint inflammation and lung scarring in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
How similar studies have performed: The research team has early lab data showing these combined protein modifications activate immune cells and fibrotic responses, but therapies that target both inflammation and fibrosis together are still uncommon.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- Omaha VA Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mikuls, Ted Richard — Omaha VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mikuls, Ted Richard
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.