Worms Secrete Anti-inflammatory Substance That May Help Treat Arthritis

A substance secreted by worms -- parasitic nematode worms to be exact -- may help treat inflammatory types of arthritis. I know, I hear you! Ewwww! But this is news that may prove important for those who battle chronic inflammation. According to BBC News, the substance (known as ES-62) circulates in the blood of people living in the Tropics who are infected by the parasitic worms. ES-62 prevents the massive inflammatory response that the worms are capable of producing.

According to researchers, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis are rare in areas where parasitic worm infections are prevalent. ES-62 may be the reason why. The goal is to produce a synthetic form of ES-62 which in turn could be used to develop drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. ES-62 is said to work like a thermostat -- turning down inflammation while leaving other defense mechanisms intact to fight disease.

Related Resources:

• Inflammation - The Battle Within
• Test Your Knowledge - Inflammation
• What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
• Arthritis Drugs - What Are My Options?

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