Fat triggers rheumatoid arthritis, scientists discover

Fat has been shown to trigger rheumatoid arthritis

Fat in the knee joints secretes a protein known as pro-factor D, which in turn gives rise to another protein - factor D- which is associated with arthritis.

That is according to Dr Nirmal Banda, associate professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in the US.

This discovery could pave the way for new gene therapies that may offer relief and mobility to arthritis sufferers across the globe, according to the study published in the Journal of Immunology.

Although it is potentially possible to destroy the complement system that includes factor D, it would not provide a long term solution as it eventually returns.

Furthermore, it was explained that without the complement system, which contains more than 40 proteins that help defend against bacteria, humans' immunity could be lowered.

"The complement system is both friend and foe," said Dr Banda.

He added that the team believes they can shut down one part of the complement system to combat rheumatoid arthritis without closing off the rest of the system.