UPfront News Robust response to vaccine Whats behind osteoarthritis? A review published in the journal of rheumatology discusses two of the likely precursors of osteoarthritis: synovitis and subchrondral bone remodelling. The layer of bone that sits just below the cartilage in a joint is known as subchondral bone. Remodelling is the process by which old bone is replaced with new. Synovitis develops when a joint lining (synovial membrane) becomes irritated and inflamed. The researchers suggest that, rather than being separate processes, synovitis and subchrondral bone remodelling interact at a biological and mechanical level. This means that systemic or metabolic factors that trigger bone remodelling should be taken into account when treating osteoarthritis, as well as the usual wear and tear. Metabolic factors include high cholesterol and genetic predisposition, and systemic factors include low-grade inflammation. The paper suggests that treatment for osteoarthritis should include attempts to correct these factors, as well as the mobility issues and pain experienced by those who have the condition. Lets twist again! A diet high in fruit and vegetables is essential for good health and oXos updated three-blade, hand-held spiralizer makes getting your recommended daily amount more fun! Simply twist the fruit or vegetable through the spiralizer using the food holder, which has a non-slip, comfortable grip, to make vegetable noodles. This safely pushes the veg through the sharp blades, leaving very little waste behind. The gadget locks together for safe and compact storage, and its easy to clean, too. Available from John lewis, 22. New research indicates that the shingles vaccine varicella-zoster may be beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis, as they are at higher risk of developing shingles. A study conducted by Oregon Health and Science University in the United States gave 112 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis the vaccine, followed by either the arthritis drug tofacitinib or a placebo two to three weeks later. Patients developed robust immune responses to the vaccine, and the start of tofacitinib after vaccination had no negative impact on the established immune response. However, researchers noted that the vaccine should only be given to those who have previously had chickenpox. DiD YOU KnOw? A new study* has found that women who take, or have taken, oral contraceptives may have a reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis * conducted by the karolinska institute, sweden