The researchers analyzed blood samples of 86 patients before the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and found high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, cytokine-related factors, and chemokines.

Lead researcher Dr Solbritt Rantapaa-Dahlqvist said the study shows that the immune system of the body already anticipated the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Dr Rantapaa-Dahlqvist hoped that the study would pave way for more research into the matter and rheumatoid arthritis could be predicted early by identifying the high levels of cytokines with a simple blood test.

“Our findings present an opportunity for better predicting the risk of developing RA and possibly preventing disease progression”, Dr Rantapaa-Dahlqvist said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that arthritis is a major cause of disability across the world. While lifestyle changes and exercise are seen to be beneficial in alleviating the pain, there are no medical remedies to speak of. The above study, which was published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, could pave the way for early diagnosis and thus remedial measures for the disease