Rheumatoid Arthritis - Causes

Aldehydes

 Rheumatoid Arthritis patients generally exhibit elevated Malondialdehyde levels.  ^[1]

Amino Acids

 Elevated Homocysteine levels may cause RheumatoidArthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis patients have Homocysteine levels that are (on average) 20% - 33% higher than healthy persons.  ^[2]

Cells

 Rheumatoid Arthritis may be caused by Lysosomes being ruptured and releasing tissue dissolving enzymes called Acid Hydrolases.

 Rheumatoid Arthritis may be caused by T-Lymphocytes attacking Joint Membranes and Fluids:

 The primary underlying defect in Rheumatoid Arthritis is believed to be erroneously programmed Memory T-Cells - these defective Memory T-Cells govern the Autoimmune attack of the Joints that occurs during Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Digestive System

 Hypochlorhydria (insufficient production of Hydrochloric Acid) may be the underlying cause of some cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  ^[3]

 Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome may be an underlying cause of some cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  ^[4]

Enzymes

 Elevated levels of Cyclooxygenase (COX-2 form) may be implicated in the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  ^[5]

Free Radicals

 Free Radicals (especially Hydroxyl Free Radicals ^[6]  and Superoxide Free Radicals) may be implicated in Rheumatoid Arthritis (due to their ability rupture Lysosomes, allowing the release of excessive quantities of Acid Hydrolases which damage the Synovial Fluid and Cartilage present in Joints).  ^[7]

Immune System Chemicals

        Immune Complexes (formed by the combination of Antigens with specific Antibodies) are speculated to initiate the autoimmune reactions that are implicated in Rheumatoid Arthritis.