Published in:
01-06-2007 | Review
The remission of rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy
Authors:
Monika Østensen, Peter M. Villiger
Published in:
Seminars in Immunopathology
|
Issue 2/2007
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Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is favorably influenced by pregnancy but relapses after delivery. A variety of circulating factors has been considered as candidates for inducing gestational improvement of RA; however, the factors/pathways responsible remain still elusive. This review discusses recent research on the effect of pregnancy on RA with a focus on immunregulation, cytokine secretion, HLA antigens, microchimerism, and innate immunity. The complex hormonal and immunological alterations of pregnancy may temporarily correct the disturbed immunregulation of RA.