Collagen Induced Arthritides is a medical term referring to a group of inflammatory joint diseases caused by exposure to collagen. The phonetic transcription of this complex term is as follows: /kəˈlædʒən ɪnˈdjuːst ɑːˈθraɪtɪdiːz/. The word 'collagen' is pronounced with stress on the second syllable and a soft 'g' sound. 'Induced' is pronounced with stress on the first syllable and a long 'u' sound. Lastly, 'arthritides' is a plural form of 'arthritis' and is pronounced with stress on the third-to-last syllable and a long 'i' sound.
Collagen-induced arthritides refers to a group of inflammatory autoimmune disorders that are characterized by the inflammation and destruction of joints. These conditions are induced by the injection or administration of collagen, a fibrous protein found in connective tissues, into experimental animals. Collagen-induced arthritides are frequently used as animal models for rheumatoid arthritis, as they share common pathological characteristics.
In collagen-induced arthritis, the injected collagen triggers an immune response in genetically susceptible individuals, leading to the production of autoantibodies against collagen. This immune reaction results in the activation of immune cells, such as T-cells and macrophages, which infiltrate the synovial membrane of the joints, causing inflammation and destruction of the joint tissues.
The symptoms of collagen-induced arthritides are similar to rheumatoid arthritis and include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility. Over time, the chronic inflammation leads to irreversible damage to the affected joints, leading to deformities and disability.
The study of collagen-induced arthritides has provided valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of immune-mediated joint inflammation and has contributed to the development of new therapies for autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. These animal models help researchers evaluate potential treatments and investigate the molecular and cellular pathways involved in the development and progression of collagen-induced arthritides.