How do second-line agents work?
The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown. Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis patients. Their use in rheumatoid arthritis was discovered serendipitously and their modes of action remain unknown. This article reviews current hypotheses on the mechanisms of action of established DMARDs. Most of them have anti-inflammatory properties and some are immunomodulators. We also discuss a number of novel agents which are potential new DMARDs.
Choy
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Rheumatology Unit, Division of Medicine, United Medical and Dental School of Guy's Hospital, London.
Kingsley
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G
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006046:Gold / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D012460:Sulfasalazine; D006046:Gold; D016572:Cyclosporine; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D010396:Penicillamine