Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting approximately one percent of the population worldwide. It is more common in women and people in their fifties but can occur at any age [1]. Researchers aren’t sure exactly what causes RA, but the leading hypothesis is that some people are genetically susceptible to some external factors [2]. The disease initially affects small joints, progresses to larger ones, and may even affect internal organs, the most frequent being the lungs and the heart. If it does affect organs, it can lead to diseases such as interstitial lung disease, pleural effusion, bronchiectasis, and pericarditis [1]. Since there is currently no cure for RA, therapies aim to reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve pain, and generally slow down the damaging process [3]. Advances in recent decades have been able to slow the progress of the disease and significantly improve patients’ long-term prognosis [4],[5],[6]. This is due to earlier diagnosis, aggressive treatment before the onset of irreversible joint damage, and the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)[7]. One drug, in particular, Methotrexate, often serves as first-line therapy (along with folic acid) [8] or in combination with other DMARDs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids are also used to relieve pain and stiffness. Yet these come with long-term risks, including cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal complications, higher risk for infections, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and osteoporosis [1].
