Arthritis remedy can cope with bone marrow diseases

Myeloproliferative diseases are a group of diseases in which the bone marrow produces too many erythrocytes, leukocytes or platelets. Scientists from the University of Sheffield have established that methotrexate (an arthritis drug) inhibits the molecular pathway of JAK / STAT, associated with the development of myeloproliferative diseases, Zee News reports.

The scientists have carried out studies on fruit flies and human cells. The scientists have found that methotrexate suppressed the activity of JAK / STAT pathway even in cells with a mutation that causes myeloproliferative diseases. Perhaps, due to the discovery of the researchers, new methods of treatment of such diseases will appear. Clinical trials can be initiated as early as next year. 

Myeloproliferative diseases include polycythemia vera. It is characterized by an increased concentration of red blood cells. People with polycythemia vera suffer from itching, headaches, weight loss, fatigue and night sweats. Existing methods of treatment do not slow the progression of the disease and practically do not reduce the severity of its symptoms.

Source: MEDdaily