Grant: Project Grant - PA: Sex and Gender in Health Research (Bridge funding)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common chronic joint disease in Canada. It causes painful joint inflammation, reduced mobility and can lead to permanent joint damage. With more than 6 million Canadians affected, arthritis costs the Canadian economy more than $35B each year, and there is currently no cure. RA is more common in females, almost 60% of arthritis patients in Canada are females. Despite this large difference, very little is known about differences in the way the disease develops in males and females. Thus, understanding the sex-related differences in the development of arthritis is very important for establishing new strategies for early diagnosis, and developing new therapies, that will work effectively in both males and females. This study will examine the development of RA in both males and females concurrently. Immune response and different molecular factors will be examined at different stages of disease development in a mouse model, and in samples from First Degree Relatives (FDR) of RA patients who are 'at-risk' for disease development but without clinical symptoms. It is known that RA occurs within families, and that RA FDRs have changes in disease-related molecules in their blood before appearance of clinical symptoms. Thus, this research will provide insight into the biological processes that lead to the development of RA, and how these processes differ between females and males. Findings from this research will provide the fundamental knowledge of disease development in RA that will be essential for the development of sex-optimized approaches for improved early diagnosis, more effective management, and treatment of RA. Early detection and treatment can avoid pain and damage to joints, and thus help individuals to lead an active life. Thus, this research is a critical step in reducing the burden of disease within the Canadian population and providing equitable access to treatment options.